From the moment I was invited to appear on the BBC in Manchester, England, to talk about my journey and the Redefine Possible campaign, I was a bag of cats (as the Brits say!).This is the BBC we're talking about here - as global media reach goes, it doesn't get any bigger. And as news programs go, this is one of the most widely viewed in the UK! BBC Breakfast, co-hosted Monday to Wednesday by the gracious team of Bill Turnbull and Susanna Reid, is a British television news program simulcast on BBC One and the BBC News channel. In other words, everyone and their corgi is watching every single morning of the week.
My nerves began to ease when we caught sight of our destination, Media City UK in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. For such a legendary media institution, this particular studio boasts some very hip architecture.
I felt even better when I was welcomed so warmly and kindly by every BBC staffer I met. It seemed everyone took the time to say hello, and I was constantly asked if I needed anything. By the time the interview got underway I was myself again.
Good thing, too, since that was kinda the focus! Bill and Susanna listened intently as I talked about how I grew up, my struggles with bullying, and how I overcame them. I also talked about why I decided to climb Kilimanjaro, how I'm preparing for the climb and how Redefine Possible is unfolding so incredibly.
I got the feeling that for a high-energy newsroom, this brush with the Redefine Possible campaign was an inspirational departure from the day-to-day stories these good folks typically trade in. It was humbling to witness this positivity surface so readily.
I also had the opportunity to share my story on BBC Radio Manchester. The producer (Nadia) on BBC Breakfast forwarded my story to the station and they requested to have me on air. And, since I've been told I have a great face for radio, I agreed! It was another amazing experience and even more invaluable exposure for the campaign.
A huge 'thank you' to Jenny Brigden of Virgin Atlantic, and her husband, Derek (good friends of Free The Children) for helping to make the whole BBC project possible. It was a thoughtful email from Derek to Susanna that brought the Redefine Possible campaign to the attention of the renowned broadcaster.
It has sure paid off.
The reaction to my BBC spots was immediate and heartfelt. Comments as well as donations large and small (and all generous) began to flood in from people all over the UK. And we happily agreed to share footage during the climb with BBC Breakfast so their viewers can follow my progress. It's jolly good to have them along!
Cheers mates,
-Spencer
I felt even better when I was welcomed so warmly and kindly by every BBC staffer I met. It seemed everyone took the time to say hello, and I was constantly asked if I needed anything. By the time the interview got underway I was myself again.
Good thing, too, since that was kinda the focus! Bill and Susanna listened intently as I talked about how I grew up, my struggles with bullying, and how I overcame them. I also talked about why I decided to climb Kilimanjaro, how I'm preparing for the climb and how Redefine Possible is unfolding so incredibly.
I got the feeling that for a high-energy newsroom, this brush with the Redefine Possible campaign was an inspirational departure from the day-to-day stories these good folks typically trade in. It was humbling to witness this positivity surface so readily.
I also had the opportunity to share my story on BBC Radio Manchester. The producer (Nadia) on BBC Breakfast forwarded my story to the station and they requested to have me on air. And, since I've been told I have a great face for radio, I agreed! It was another amazing experience and even more invaluable exposure for the campaign.A huge 'thank you' to Jenny Brigden of Virgin Atlantic, and her husband, Derek (good friends of Free The Children) for helping to make the whole BBC project possible. It was a thoughtful email from Derek to Susanna that brought the Redefine Possible campaign to the attention of the renowned broadcaster.
It has sure paid off.
The reaction to my BBC spots was immediate and heartfelt. Comments as well as donations large and small (and all generous) began to flood in from people all over the UK. And we happily agreed to share footage during the climb with BBC Breakfast so their viewers can follow my progress. It's jolly good to have them along!
Cheers mates,
-Spencer
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