Question Time: ‘I have tried internet dating – but it ended in disaster!’
This week’s subject is Linda Petrons from Wendover, who is a volunteer at Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, which cared for her late husband. The charity is holding its Chilterns Cycle Challenge fundraiser in Aylesbury on Sunday.
What’s your earliest memory?
Falling down the stairs on the school bus and breaking my finger!
What do you wish they’d taught you at school, but didn’t?
How to mend a puncture! I got a puncture on my first training ride for the Chilterns Cycle Challenge.
Ignore what you’re doing now – if you could do any job in the world, what would it be and why?
It was my childhood ambition to train to be a nurse but as an 18 year old I didn’t fancy working shifts. Having experienced the work of the Iain Rennie nurses and knowing what a difference those in the profession make to people’s lives I sometimes wish I’d followed that career path.
Of all the places you’ve been in your life, which would you recommend to a stranger?
Annecy, France – this is where we had our last family holiday. The scenery was breathtaking and the lake a beautiful place to visit. We even took our bikes on this holiday!
If you could pass one new law tomorrow, what would it be and why?
Ban sunbeds and suncream less than factor 25. My husband, Joe, died from skin cancer and was a user of sunbeds and liked to sunbathe.
You can invite three people – living or dead, from any period – round for dinner. Who are they?
Lance Armstrong – I’m taking part in the Chilterns Cycle Challenge on Sunday and he could give me some tips on how to keep going when I’m struggling.
Fern Britton – as a Patron of Iain Rennie, she is a taking part in the cycle challenge. She’s a keen cyclist and I’m sure she would be able to share some personal stories about her previous challenges.
Peter Jones – I’d like some tips on how to recruit local schools and businesses to take part in an accumulator challenge I’m working on. Peter would be great at giving advice.
If you were stuck on Death Row, what would you pick for your final meal?
I always feel guilty about eating ‘naughty’ food. A cheese fondue with a good bottle of red wine would be a lovely last meal, perhaps with a slice of cheesecake to finish.
What’s your greatest fear?
At the moment it’s not being able to make it round the 35-mile route of the Chilterns Cycle Challenge!
If you had to give up something tomorrow, what would you find it hardest to live without?
My friends… they’ve been a great support over the past six years since my husband died.
What’s the most important lesson that life has taught you so far?
Life can be too short… make the most of the time you have with special people
What websites do you value the most?
www.irhh.org – I use this everyday; www.wiggle.co.uk – great for bike stuff; Oh and for fun an internet dating site which isn’t proving successful!
Where are your favourite places to eat near Aylesbury?
My friend Angie is a brilliant cook and likes a little drink – I love eating at hers; Shoulder of Mutton, Wendover – Adam and the staff there are great Iain Rennie supporters and always make us feel really welcome
What’s your favourite local shop?
Mountain Mania, Tring – it’s a great place for all the cycling essentials I’m finding I need for the cycle challenge.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’ve recently tried internet dating again. I went on my first date in months on Saturday – it ended in disaster... I ‘just wasn’t doing it for him’! It made me laugh whereas a few years ago I’d have cried. It made me realise how, with the passage of time, just how much I’ve changed.
What do you go out of your way to avoid?
Ironing – I just don’t have time to do it. Any offers to help me catch up would be gratefully received.
Tell us a joke
I can’t think of anything… except – please sponsor me!
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Weather for Aylesbury
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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