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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Despite The Challenges....

1/5/2021

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Yesterday I went to visit my friend Mr F as promised. She has left the Hospital and was at home, feeling philosophical about her diagnosis. We have been friends for a little over a year now, and I have got to know her quite well. She always has a smile on her face and is full of positivity, despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis. Her Cancer diagnosis has undoubtably changed her outlook on life, but it has also given her an opportunity to talk to people in a way she hasn't before.

Mrs F has asked me to help her over the next few months; she wants to write letters to family and friends, expressing how she feels about them and the role they have played in her life. She has spoken extensively about the people she holds dear, but is finding it difficult to express herself in words. Mrs F is beginning a process most of us will have to embrace at some point in our lives. She is putting her life in order and saying her last goodbyes, in the best way she can.

I spent an hour listening to this dear lady talk about her life, the trials and tribulations she endured, her hopes and fears for the future, her recollections of happier times and her regrets, disappointments and anguish. There were some tears of course, but mainly this was an opportunity for Mrs F to tell her story and have someone listen to her words.

I took notes and have started to write the letters on her behalf. To many, composing farewell messages for someone else, may seem a bit strange, but this is the way she wants to say farewell and most importantly, it gives her the chance to talk about her life, to someone who doesn't really know the details. I am able to listen, understand and not judge, equally I can be a sounding board and a friend; this is particularly fundamental for Mrs F at this time.

I have the feeling she feels comfortable with this process in my company, and I'm not so sure whether she would find it as easier around people who are close. Sometimes the person looking in, can be a catalyst for recalling events, that others might dismiss as irrelevant or unimportant. I understand what is crucial for Mrs F now - the support of friends on her final journey and  I will do what I can as an outsider, to be there to listen and help at this difficult time. I hope her final months will be congenial, as she thinks about events and circumstances that have contributed to the life she has led, leaving an indelible impression on all those who know her!

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Inspirational People - Laz Assaratti, Mindrush!

29/9/2020

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https://www.mindrush.org.uk/
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https://www.mind.org.uk/
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https://www.thecalmzone.net/


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I’m sure you all remember Laz Assiratti from Beddau in Wales; On the 18th April 2020 Laz and friend Dave did a 24-hour DJ set, raising £3515.70 for NHS charities. As one of Roaming Brits Inspirational people, I am delighted to once again inform all of you, of his latest charitable endeavour and hope you will show your support for this spirited, galvanising young man.

Laz is currently undertaking a 2300-mile bike ride to every football league club in the country – his aim, to raise money for two fantastic mental health charities. His charities of choice are ‘Mind’ and ‘CALM’ (Campaign Against Living Miserably.) I have worked with ‘Mind’ myself in the past, and they were instrumental in helping me survive a particularly challenging time in my life. Without their support, my circumstances would have been very different today.

Laz has his own experiences with anxiety and depression, witnessing the loss of two people through suicide and several others who tried to take their own lives. These unpredictable times have brought all our consternations to the fore and anything we can do to support those who need it most is important. Laz has stepped up to the mark once again and not only wants to raise money for two fantastic charities, but he also wants to raise awareness of subjects most of us find hard to talk about.

Laz’s love of football has given him the motivation to push himself to his limits, in order to highlight a problem, close to his heart. This is a sport that has been touched by suicide over many years, highlighted in Laz’s mission statement in his blog, which I will include links to below.

As someone who understands the difficulties of despondency, loneliness and suicide I would like to wholeheartedly endorse Laz and his continued efforts to assist those in greatest need. Throughout this pandemic, all of us have seen a growth in mental health problems but very few of us have done anything to try and turn the tide of despair. Without people like Laz, stories of struggle wouldn’t be highlighted and most of us would remain oblivious to the magnitude of the problem we all face. You may not suffer with depression today, but chances are, you will in the future.

Laz isn’t a professional athlete, he is just an ordinary person, like you or I. He is however someone who wants to help, play his part and give something back, especially at a time of crisis. It is difficult changing attitudes and perceptions overnight, but by drawing attention to subjects close to his heart, he hopes to begin the process of reconnecting others with concerns that deserve all our support!


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Inspirational People - Laz Assiratti and Dave Kay!

20/4/2020

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Roaming Brit's first inspirational People are Laz Assiratti from Beddau in Wales and Dave Kay. Together they did a 24-hour DJ set, to help raise money for NHS charities. Laz and Dave began their mammoth session at 12pm on 18th April, finishing twenty-four hours later on 19th April. So far they have raised £3515.70 and donations are still coming in, including contributions from as far away as Spain and many more from  the UK.

'Our aim was to raise as much money as we could for our incredibly hard-working emergency medical staff across the UK. EVERY SINGLE PENNY will be donated to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal, supporting the vital NHS and key workers both in your community and nationwide at this time of need.'

Laz

#nhs #nhsdisco

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Click on the picture to donate!

Laz and Dave were nominated by Ms Emily Doe, for their outstanding work, raising money for NHS charities. Like many of us, Laz and Dave are doing their bit, to help our key workers at this time of need. With many countries in lockdown it is important to stay connected with friends, family and others all over the world, living their lives behind closed doors. Not only have these two guys raised money for the National Health Service, but they have also kept us entertained. A group of like-minded individuals, who under normal circumstances would be part of the clubbing scene up and down the country, have instead partied at their homes, on balconies, rooftops and in gardens!

Laz and Dave turned their passion into a vision for helping our stretched NHS at its time of greatest need and should be commended for their hard work and generosity. We are indeed living through strange times, but it is heart-warming to see so many people reacting in a positive and constructive way, as they adjust to living their lives privately, away from society. I would like to offer my congratulations to all of those who made the 'Disco For The NHS' happen and show my appreciation by publishing these few short words in support of their fund-raising efforts!

Well done lads!



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Please remember you can still donate to 'Disco For The NHS' by clicking on the blue NHS button above. This will take you to the Just Giving page. If you know of any 'Coronavirus Heroes' you wish to include in Roaming Brit's 'Inspirational People' please contact me on 07999663360 or email lukemartin.jones@gmail.com!

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    Author

    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
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Telephone

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Email

lukemartin.jones@gmail.com
  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets