When I was younger, those of you who had the pleasure of visiting my bedroom (family and friends, I mean), will remember my walls used to be covered with pictures and posters of dolphins and seals. With the exception of my Bros phase (and another phase I’ll thank anyone not to mention). It was never more than a fascination of mine…until the Thames Whale.

What a strange (but not unique) sight to see a whale swimming in the Thames? Why was it there? Was it ill? Was it lost? Were there more than one? So many questions, but so few answers. I was glued to the TV and was absolutely willing it to reach safety. When it vanished, I hoped it had found its way to sea. I was out for lunch with family and even in the pub, I was watching coverage (like every other person in the pub). I remember well-meaning members of the public trying to help, but in their ignorance, probably making matters worse. I watched the volunteers trying to save the creature and cheered as it was lifted on to the barge that would ultimately take it to freedom. I also recall sitting in tears as the lights went out, after the whale’s death was confirmed.

I know there will be people reading this who can’t believe I was so upset over a whale. If you can’t understand that, then you’ll never understand me - I feel things and am not ashamed to show it. Or to say it.

After this, I did some research and came across the website of the BDMLR. There, I found lots of like-minded people. I felt like I wanted to do more but, as I wasn’t a diver (and can barely swim), what could I offer. Well, I joined their group, as they rely on funding, like all charities. Then, I found that there was a course locally, to qualify as a Marine Mammal Medic. More importantly, you don’t need to be able to dive…or swim. Hubby and I signed up and the people on the forum answered all of my stupid questions (how do you go to the toilet in a dry suit - you don’t).

The course is a mixture of theory and practical work (and comedy, courtesy of Richard - whether intentional or not, I don’t know). It is extremely interesting and the practical is certainly an experience for someone who’s terrified of the water! We ’saved’ a blow-up whale (and attracted a crowd), rescued a blow-up doll…er, no, a blow-up dolphin and I restrained a rubber seal - how many people can say they’ve done that? After a long and tiring day, we were qualified medics.

Unfortunately, I’ve been sidelined, due to illness and a lack of transport, but I try and do what I can. If you love wildlife, and would like to be able to help marine mammals, take a look at the course here.

Would I have watched this if it had just been about homeless people? Maybe not. Was the idea of someone with lots of money having to slum it for a few days appealing? I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. I watched the BBC documentary (part one of two) this morning and found I had misconstrued what was going to happen. These don’t seem to be famous people seeking a bit of free publicity but people who have a genuine interest in either learning more about homelessness, challenging themselves (and their preconceptions) or confronting a subject that many of us choose to ignore. With one exception.

Essentially, they were stripped of their possessions and, it seemed, of their own sense of self, in some cases. They had to learn to be resourceful, if they wanted to each. They had to beg in order to eat, which appeared to strip some of a sense of dignity. They had to rely on their instincts to get around, and to decide where to stay. They had to be constantly aware, in order to stay safe (although I think they were monitored throughout). They also learned about themselves, and began to truly value what they had, by giving it up (albeit for a short time). We all say we appreciate things, but never fully understand until the things we have are lost.

We all walk a tightrope. No-one knows when circumstance will lead us down a different path. I certainly understand how much life can change in an instant. An illness, a break-up, a job-loss - sometimes that’s all it takes to throw everything into confusion. You are blessed if you have a good family and friends, and can weather many storms with some help, but what about the people who don’t have that support? Who do they turn to and where do they go? There are organisations out there, but you need to be in a position to access them (and have the ability to do so).

I admire these people for doing this, even for 10 days - it’s 10 days more than most would CHOOSE to do (I wouldn’t choose it, I admit). I don’t blame the Marquis of Blandford for going home, but do think that his attitude absolutely stunk - he was arrogant and dismissive. He is only where he is by birth, rather than earning his place in the world, and he had no right to speak to people in the manner that he did. Conversely, there was one young woman who showed kindness above and beyond what anyone would expect. She struck up a conversation with one of the volunteers, and gave her some money that she had on her…then she returned, having been to the cashpoint, and gave her a further £40! It was so touching, I was in tears.

Later on, volunteers were paired up with others who had been living on the streets for years. It was interesting to hear their stories, and it makes you think about how many people had failed them to bring them to where they are today: parents who abused their child and a boy of 13 (now in his 30s) who was failed by the care system, are just two examples.

I look forward to tonight’s programme, and to hear what the celebrities have taken from their experience. Currently, with regard to homeless people, I freely admit that a voice inside my head says, “Don’t give them money as they’ll spend it on drugs or drink,” because that’s what society has imprinted on me. However, my heart goes out to anyone who needs help. So I do what many people do: I avoid their gaze and walk on, feeling ever so guilty for ignoring someone in distress. Once, I gave some money to a young man who was begging, as he looked so poorly and in need - then his dog appeared and tried to bite me! Clearly ignoring the situation is not the right way to deal with it and, clearly, as someone who doesn’t work, I can’t give to everyone. Yes, there are people who use money for drugs, but there are also genuinely desperate people out there. I don’t know what the answer is, but I hope that there is one! Do consider watching the final episode of this documentary tonight at 9pm on BBC1.

Haven’t blogged for a while, as things at home have been busy, but I do twitter (though I don’t like it as much as Facebook). If you’re interested in random musings, boring updates and what I’ll be having for tea, please feel free to follow @MissySimps on Twitter.

We finally have a venue for our charity evening and, IF it works out as planned, what a fantastic evening it will be! If you’re in the North East of England and want to have some edfa fun, all for a good cause, contact me for further details.

Tickets will be on sale soon, and will include a buffet and entertainment. I will tell more as and when things are confirmed, but it’ll be worth it for one of Catherine’s entertaining quizzes alone - and maybe your team will win a prize, too? There will be (almost) all the fun of the fair, with tombola, raffle and ‘name the bear’ stalls and I know that there are already some great prizes on offer.

We aim to raise as much as possible for Marie Curie in Newcastle, and I’d like you to help us do it!