Darrell has been busy volunteering for a charity in Western Australia over the last few weeks - 'Express  Wildlife Rescue!' After the recent bush fires that engulfed Western Australia subsided, many thousands of native animals were left orphaned. This small charity is doing all it can to help those in greatest need. You can of course donate to 'Express Wildlife Rescue' by clicking the links throughout today's blog entry. Like all charities, funds are in short supply and the more help you can give to help the better.

Darrell has been helping to feed and care for orphaned Joeys (baby Kangaroo's.) These tiny babies, left in their Mothers pouch after they died, are rescued by dedicated volunteers, who are having to heartbreakingly remove them, taking them to the rescue centre to be cared for. Joeys need a lot of looking after and have to be nurtured for three years, before they are able to look after themselves. It is a painstaking job hand rearing these beautiful marsupials; without the commitment of volunteers like Darrell and many others, 'Express Wildlife Rescue' wouldn't be able to carry out the work it does!

I am happy Darrell has finally been able to undertake some voluntary work in Australia. It is difficult when you are supporting an elderly or ill relative, so the opportunity to take a break from the pressures of life and do something to help your local community, is a good way of staying focused and in touch with the outside world. It can be a lonely task, caring for a loved one, so above all contact with other people is important.

Life in Western Australia is carrying on as normal, so it is lucky Darrell has been able to source a position which allows him time to breathe, chat to other volunteers and help save lives. I have always enjoyed volunteering myself, for many years and hope Darrell can also gain some much-needed satisfaction from his time at the rescue centre; I know I am in awe at the work he is championing!

For me looking in, I have also been able to see a side of life I wouldn't otherwise have seen. I am aware of the seasonal bush fires that threaten Australia, but like most people I didn't understand the extent of the damage caused to wildlife throughout this diverse country. I may well have had many challenges living in Australia twenty years ago, but I can appreciate the allurement and distinctiveness this Country represents. The amazing ecosystem needs to be preserved and protected at all costs, so the more Australians do to help, the brighter the future will be.

Another week has passed and after four months of lockdown it has been time to shave my unruly mop - both of us are bald now, looking every inch our age; just part of the course as I reach my 50th year. Looking through old photographs earlier, I am reminded of the fulfilled life we have both led; this pandemic is but a small hiccup in the road we are currently following. The fact that we are both living apart temporarily should never affect our plans for the future This is a time to push even harder, as we become ever more determined to achieve the goals we have set together, the dreams we have yet to follow and the ambitions we continue to seek!

I've just got off the phone from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital; I was approached about taking part in a new COVID vaccine trial several weeks ago and the lead organiser wanted to touch base about a revolutionary new vaccine trial. Unlike other vaccine studies this particular one is a microbial antibody testing programme, using the serum from recovered patients.  I have been interested in taking part in such a medical evaluation for a while now and want to play my part, in the fight against this virus.

I was given an initial telephone assessment, to check I was the right calibre of person to take part in this unique study and was told I had passed this first stage. Next I have to undergo some health and blood tests, something I am very used to at my time of life, and then the administering of any new vaccine. Of course this may take a while, but I am looking forward to being a part of this group in the not too distant future.

The organiser explained, that as a front line worker, who isn't part of the initial vaccine roll out, falling outside the list of nine priority groups, who will be vaccinated first, I was just the type of person they were looking for. I was also informed of other up and coming trials that I could also take part in, should I decide this one isn't right for me. If anything I may well get the chance of having a jab sooner rather than later, which will only help me and the anxiety I suffer with every day; that cant be a bad thing!

After speaking to the Royal Bournemouth, I was able to talk with Darrell, who is feeling a little alone at the moment, like all of us. He wanted me to update his CV, so he can do some volunteering during the last few months he has left in Australia. He is speaking with someone tomorrow about volunteering with Kangaroos, helping to look after them and feed newborns, especially after the terrible bush fires in Western Australia recently.

Darrell has found the last few months, especially hard, and I am just glad he is looking into doing something productive, especially with wild animals. Personally I can't wait to be able to volunteer again; it is great for the soul and our own sense of well-being. I have given up my time, helping various charities over the years and have always enjoyed it.

On Monday I will finally get my pneumonia jab, which has been delayed and delayed for various reasons including having to self-isolate. I have made a decision to go ahead and get the vaccine, despite the £70.00 cost. As an ex smoker, I am more susceptible to this awful disease and with secondary pneumonia a complication of Coronavirus, I am glad to be having it done. These days I am constantly thinking about my health and doing what I can to survive this dreadful period.

My IBS has also been out of control recently, so I decided to take some medical advice about how to manage it. together with my other gastrointestinal issues, a practitioner suggested I try some 'digestive enzymes' and 'Milk Thistle,' which I have bought from the health food shop in town. I have only been taking them for a couple of days, but already my stomach feels a hundred times better. However, I do have a terrible headache, which can apparently be a side effect of the enzymes. I am just hoping it isn't a permanent feature, especially as my stomach feels like new.

As all of us battle our own demons during this pandemic, I am more mindful of my health. No smoking or drinking, healthy eating and lots of walking seems to be paying dividends. If it wasn't for my IBS I would feel great, but you can't have everything. I hope the next nine months before Darrell returns to the UK is the beginning of a sea change in my life, that lasts way beyond this pandemic and I can start living life more positively once again. Without the mistakes of the past and the challenges we strived to overcome, I pray this is the beginning of something good and the end of the worst twelve months of our life. This is a time to grow, a time to heal and a time to look forward, onwards to the future, not looking back at the past!

I am making an urgent appeal for my friend Katie Stewardson. I met Katie while living in Spain. Katie became a close friend and has even written for Roaming Brit. A few days ago Katie and her family, including her two week old son Sebastián were evacuated from their Southern Spanish home, after their property flooded along with thousands of others in the region. Katie is now trying to raise money for the local community who have lost everything, trying to ensure animals and livestock are re-homed and looked after, following the worst storms to hit Spain in a century. Katie has asked me to advertise this plea for help, so she and other victims can start to rebuild their lives!

Please click on the 'Go Fund Me' picture below, to take you to her appeal!

"Our farm was hit bad by the flooding of the 'south eastern Spanish gota fria.' Paddocks are flooded and sheds are destroyed, the kennels for the dogs are non existent and they have no shelter. We are not the only ones affected .

We are fundrasing to build new kennels for the dogs and new shelters for the goats at our finca. We are also fundraising for other fincas and shelters in the same mess as us.

Dog food to buy. Beds etc

Please help if you can, every little counts to remaking homes for the animals."

I've had a pretty busy morning at Cancer Research today. Despite the usual selection of fun filled photographs, there were a lot of donations to go through, from munificent members of the public, who continue to do what they can to raise money for the fantastic charity. This evening I wanted to say a few words about donations and encourage readers of 'Roaming Brit' to donate generously.

All charities rely on gifts from the general public, Britain has a proud tradition of Charity shops and a great deal of money is generated from the sale of unwanted items. Cancer Research in Portsmouth is a large unit, the largest such establishment I have ever worked in and consequently has a lot of stock to categorise and catalogue. Volunteers and Managers alike have to assess and evaluate huge amounts of contributions. Eclectic in nature and in many cases unique on the high street, all are given free, in the hope they will realise some much needed capital, so Cancer Research and other institutions can continue to carry out their good work.

Today I was sorting and pricing electrical goods, others were tagging clothing and many more were sorting through general donations. Around eighty percent of donations are sold in store and a well trained and focused work force continue to get the best prices they can. I myself give when I can. When I left for Spain in 2015, I gave most of my belongings away to the British Heart Foundation and when I returned to the UK last year, I donated the rest of my personal effects to 'Easy Horse Care,' a charity I used to work for in Gran Alacant. This Spanish trust, rescues horses and donkeys across the Valencia region of Spain; many are injured or mistreated and badly in need of care. I have never just thrown saleable items in the bin, I know from previous experience, just how important a gift to a charity can be.

Everyone has a personal cause to champion, one that is close to their heart, so I would encourage all of you to give something, as often as you can. I was amazed at the generosity shown by people as I opened sacks today, valuable, freshly laundered and neatly folded clothes. We are also given items we can't sell, things that really should have been disposed of and I would also stress the importance of vetting the items you give. No volunteer wants to sort through a black dustbin liner of soiled garments. We had a few such bags today and it can be stomach churning at times. Nevertheless everyday is like Christmas when you work in a charity shop, you never know just what you will find.

My boss Zerina wanted me to thank everyone for their continued support and pass on her best wishes to all those who read my blog, following our shop in Portsmouth. Writing about my charity work is an important aspect of my life; I know many of you who read 'Roaming Brit,' are also interested in this side of me. I would like to end this entry today, by asking you all to help Cancer Research in its work by donating what you can. Equally if you have some spare time, why not pop along and have a chat with Zerina, Jo or Sam and do some volunteering yourself; you wont be disappointed!

It's been a beautiful day here in Portsmouth, a real feel good kind of day; luckily for me, I had some time off and lots to do in the city. The sun always motivates me, in a way it never did, before I lived in Spain, so I was determined to get to the end of my list of things to do!

The constant rain and damp weather has been getting me down over the last few weeks, it really has reminded me of what living back in the UK is all about. Any break in the bad weather is a bonus, so like everyone else it seems, I was out and about, walking around the city and enjoying the day.

Like most British cities, Portsmouth really does come into its own when the sun shines, it's on days like this, I feel glad to be home, but mindful of what I left behind.

At 11 am I had an appointment with the Pharmacist at Boots in Commercial Road. I wanted to take a travel assessment, just to see if there were anymore vaccinations required before my trip to ASIA.

The Pharmacist asked me a comprehensive list of questions and was able to give me a break down of the relevant medication I would need to take before my holiday. The answers she gave were as expected and I had the first of three injections for Rabies, at a cost of one hundred and eighty pounds and have been given time to consider whether or not to have the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination. Like the nurse at my surgery, she said it wasn't on a list of recommended shots, but it is worth thinking about. At a cost of two hundred pounds it is prohibitive for most people and she pointed out that ninety percent do not opt to have the jabs at all, but I will consider the benefits, before I return next week for injection number two.

After my Rabies jab, I had an appointment at the Portsmouth Central Library. One of my bloggers from 'Roaming Brit,' has inspired me to do some volunteering for the 'You Trust' here in Portsmouth. The charity was also recommended by a friend; they organise visits to lonely people, who need a friendly ear, someone to talk to or just a friend to sit with. Living in a city can be very isolating at times and I understand just how difficult that can be, especially after living in Spain for two years.

The chat went well and I was welcomed with open arms. It seems more volunteers are needed in and around Portsmouth and like many similar organisations, they desperately need people who can dedicate few hours a week, to helping the more vulnerable in society. After listening to others positive experiences, I thought I would look into this role and  feel I will be able to offer the help and support they need to live a better quality of life. 

I have a lot of forms to fill in over the weekend and will endeavour to return them as soon as possible. Today I am enthusiastic about giving a little something back to the community in which I live, as I feel all of us should. I may well have only been living here for eight months now, but that is long enough to understand the issues that resonate with the local neighbourhood where I live. Loneliness is a terrible scourge on modern life and I would hope that someone would do the same for me, if I was in their position!

The end of another busy day, time to fill in forms, cook some dinner and maybe, just maybe the chance to relax!

On Wednesday, I was filmed for the Tesco 'Bags of Help' campaign, highlighting the importance of giving each customer a blue token, every time the conclude their shop in store. Apparently I was chosen because of my love of selfies!

The 'Bags of Help' campaign began in 2015 and Tesco has donated over 43 million pounds to over 10,000 community initiatives across England, Scotland and Wales. Money from carrier bag sales is used to fund local programmes in its 565 regions. Grants of one, two and four thousand pounds is distributed according to the amount of blue tokens collected for each project!

As a champion of the good work charities do, I was delighted to be filmed by Portsmouth University and look forward to seeing the finished video. Anything we can do, to help our local neighbourhood, is important, to ensure we all live the lives we deserve. Thanks to Tesco, many local organisations can apply to obtain funds for their campaigns, working together to build a better future for all.

If you wish to apply for funding, please click on the 'Tesco, Bags of Help' logo below!

Readers to Roaming Brit are well aware of my connection to Charity, having worked in this environment for many years. Once in your blood, it's very difficult to shake the buzz you get from giving your time in pursuit of helping others. First thing yesterday, I was able to discover a little more about Cancer Research in Commercial Road, its volunteers and daily activities. Before everyone left for the day I spoke to Managers and volunteers alike, trying to gauge just what type of person volunteers in this Portsmouth Store. Of course every charity shop is different, attracting many helpers and employees from diverse and contrasting walks of life; each outlet is a melting pot of ideas and personalities, all with the same goal: 'Doing their best to help others!'

Manager Zerina Bryant-Beeney (46) has worked for Cancer Research in one capacity or another for twelve years and has a passion for volunteering. She is approachable and always on hand to help customers and those she employs. Zerina is part of a small Management team that represents this large shop and is the glue that holds everyone together. I asked Zerina why she enjoys working for Cancer Research, she was more than happy to answer: 'I enjoy it because of the case it represents, knowing that my work saves peoples lives!' Who could disagree with that sentiment.

Everyone I spoke to has had experience of the pain cancer causes, so much so, they have decided to dedicate part of their life, trying to help those who face the spectre of Cancer on a daily basis; the victims, their families and friends and the people at the forefront of the campaign to make Cancer history, all important to the lifeblood of this community shop in the heart of the city. It is only though our own experiences, that we can truly understand the suffering of others and comprehend the difficulties they face everyday!

I always enjoy working with Zerina, there is never a dull moment; the respect I and others have for her, shows in the dedication of the volunteers who frequent this shop! As an ex Charity Shop Manager myself, I am well aware of the qualities needed in managing such an unusual retail environment. Zerina has the personality and disposition to bring together the twenty five combatants who work diligently behind the scenes, the acclaim she is accorded is heart warming!

Shop Assistant Samantha Ross (49) has been at Cancer Research for nine years, currently working in three of their shops in the south coast region. Like most of the Management team, she started off volunteering, progressing towards a career in this charity. When I asked her why she enjoyed working for Cancer Research she was clear about her reasons: 'It's a cause close to my heart, I have known many family members and friends who have suffered through cancer. Knowing that my role helps raise money towards a vital case, is all I need to keep working away in a job I love!'  Perfect words from an inspiring lady, who works hard everyday.

When you work for a foundation or trust in a retail environment, you really do put 110% into your effort, always working extra time over and above your remit. Sorting bags, pricing stock, helping volunteers, many of whom are vulnerable is a large part of your day. You most certainly have to love your job to be able to get the most out of this vocation. Retail is a challenging environment in which to work at the best of times, charity retail is most certainly the hardest of all, but as Sam said, it is also the most rewarding, giving her and others a sense of self worth and enjoyment she would be hard pressed to find anywhere else!

Volunteer Anita was born in London in 1952, leaving the UK for Italy when she was 25. Married, Anita returned to Britain in 2005 for a quick visit, returning in 2008, while her daughter attended University, where she has remained ever since. Anita's husband continues to live in Italy and they see each other as often as they can, rather like Darrell and I.

Anita is a trained Biology teacher; now working for Cancer Research because she has time on her hands, like many who volunteer for causes close to their heart.  Anita also has experience of Cancer in her life, her Father having sadly died from the disease, like so many others. She enjoys working in the Portsmouth shop for many reasons, most of all the companionship and conversation she enjoys with all of us who work there.

Anita is typical of many volunteers, a retired professional with time to spare. All of us who enlist, for want of a better word, have that altruistic gene, gaining great satisfaction knowing we are changing lives for the better. Anita does what she can, because she is part of an army conscripts who want to 'make things happen!'

18 year old Yassin Hamrouni was born in Trento, Italy. This picturesque city is two hours from venice in one direction and two hours from Austria in the other, it is a truly spectacular Italian medieval destination, one place I shall certainly be visiting in future; when I have the time of course.  Yassin is of Tunisian descent and currently attends the Tellus School of Language as part of the Erasmus + project. He has been given a three month opportunity to live and work in the UK, staying with an English family, here in Portsmouth.

Yassin has two Brothers, one younger, one older, his Mother still lives in Italy and his Father now lives in Paris; a well travelled young lad, he chose to come to the UK as part of his course studying IT. Yassin was upbeat about his time here, regarding the United Kingdom as open minded and welcoming, enjoying a conversation with everyone he meets. He has a wonderful grasp of the English language, although finds it difficult to understand the Portsmouth dialect at times. Through perseverance and hard work, Yassin hopes to gain a greater understanding of the British and our customs and culture, using this three month period at Cancer Research as a stepping stone on his journey towards his eventual career.

Many foreign students come to Britain to improve their apprehension of English, Yessin no exception. However he also has personal reasons for working for this charity, having lost his Grandfather four years ago to Cancer; a personal tribute to someone he held in high regard, part of his pilgrimage, navigating life in the UK!

The festive  season is essential  for all high street retailers, but to a charity it can mean the difference between survival or not. A charity shop has the same overheads as any other business; rent, rates and utilities as high as anywhere else. Contrary to what people believe, there is no special dispensation for these type of outlets. Cancer Research in Commercial Road has to compete against other retailers, charity and otherwise, but Christmas is a time to promote its activity to the wider public.

Like most 'not for profit organisations,' it produces its own merchandise at this time of year, Christmas cards, decorations and keepsakes for those who support the campaigns it promotes. Cancer Research sells a line of Bought in goods or 'BIG's.' These are new products customers can purchase, on top of the donated stock, important to the success of a shop during the festive season. Of course these type of items are sold all year round but the income generated during Christmas is more important than ever.

Between May and July 2017 Cancer Research in Portsmouth sold 1600 pounds worth of 'Big's,' a typical amount for that time of year; during October to December 2017, the figure rose to over 7000 pounds, a dramatic increase, without which many programmes instituted by Cancer Research, would not receive the money they need. I have seen a significant rise in sales, even during the first few weeks of October and we are all looking forward to a successful yuletide engendering more income than we did last year.

This Monday was another busy day; everyone had a role to play. I work front of house on a checkout  because others can't, or prefer to work in the back of the establishment, sorting stock, pricing or collecting donations. All of us work well together despite our differences, backgrounds and affiliations, we all seem to bond positively as a team. There is far more to working in a charity shop than you might expect and I would ask anyone thinking about volunteering to come along and spend a day with principled people, doing something worthwhile for others who can't. You may be surprised at what you find, how rewarding it can be and the fulfillment you feel at the end of the day. Giving something back to the community in which you live is important, whatever you choose to do. Without Britain's army of volunteers, this country would be a poorer place; it's up to people like you and I to do the things that governments wont or cant because of the lack of money and resources. Volunteering remains a vocation for the few, but with insight and encouragement, more people could make the step towards a better future for them and the causes they advocate!

On Thursday evening, I would usually be lying on a sofa watching television, in between blogging of course; however this week, I took part in something a little different. My employer Tesco had organised an evening, where employees could see where all the food and other consumables it donates, goes to. The local store I am a part of, based in Fratton has much to be proud of, community is at its heart and can be seen in store everyday. It is the first time in many years I have felt a part of a team, that works together to make a difference to the people that they serve. Like all areas, Fratton has its fair share of deprivation and poverty; there is a need for large organisations like Tesco to play a part in helping those less fortunate. On Thursday I witnessed 'community in action' as my colleagues pulled out all the stops to make peoples lives a little easier for one evening; where they could sit, have something to eat and enjoy each others company, forgetting their difficulties for a few hours.

I spent an evening, with colleagues at 'Food Cycle' in Fratton, one of the charities Tesco champions. I helped prepare a meal for around fifty local residents, made from the food Tesco and other large businesses donated. Chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes and helping serve the guests at Kings Church in Portsmouth, all part of this unique occasion. It was a busy evening, but I did find the time to share a few words and conversations with those in attendance. Everyone was grateful and pleased at what Tesco was doing to help their local neighbourhood. Shaking hands, a pat or two on the back and a smile of appreciation from the people that took time to attend this humbling evening, on such a rainy night, was all I needed to understand the importance of such local benevolence.

I am proud to work for an organisation that puts people first and works to make the community it serves a little better to live in. I have personally worked for many different businesses and charities, but haven't experienced this kind of community undertaking before. Being able to see just where charitable donations go is important for people like me, who have a moral compass to uphold. I have always volunteered in one capacity or another; as a society I feel we have a duty to do so. I am not a millionaire and struggle to get by, just like everyone else, but if I can spare some time, to help others I will. Life isn't just about money and how much we have, it is about doing what we feel is right and playing a small part in helping to change peoples lives. I understand what it is like to fall on hard times, we are all at the mercy of events, our own circumstances could change quicker than we think; for that reason we need to understand the significance of giving back to those who need it, as Tesco did tonight and will continue to do in future!