Carl Hopkins

What were the highlights of your week, working undercover?

I have many fabulous memories from chasing chickens on Jimmy's allotments, dancing with a flirty 70-year-old at a tea dance at Cyril's Welfare Club, and my abysmal appearance as the gong player in the Easington Brass Band. Less-fond memories were checking for drug-users' needles in the pouring rain around some rather run-down and empty houses, although they were on the estate I was living on!

What have you taken away from your experience and the people you met on the way?

The overriding feeling I have of my experience is one of hope and admiration. Admiration of the fact that within every community there are people like the ones I met, who are willing to give up their own time, money and effort for no personal gain to help others. To help make their communities a more positive place for the young and old alike.

Has the Secret Millionaire experience been a reality check and has it changed your perception of society?

The ten days undercover as a street warden was not so much a reality check of society. I feel in touch with the real world. I have a nephew and a niece who currently work as Community Support Officers, whilst my brother-in-law works as a refuse collector and my parents still live in a council flat – so I would consider I come from a very 'grounded' family. It is reassuring that there are still people out there, who see the good in young people and want to help give them the best chance possible regardless of their surroundings. It was great to see.

What was the biggest surprise that you learned about yourself?

I learned that I really have no sense of rhythm, at either dancing or gong playing! I didn't have any 'eureka' moments of self-discovery, I simply kept an open mind and made every effort to try to understand the people and situations I become exposed to. I felt the experience was about learning more about other people than myself.

Has your experience changed your attitude to philanthropic work?

After working for over 20 years in a very 'shareholder value' focused industry, I had made a decision that my future ventures would have a more 'giving' social side. This was part of my reason for taking part in the programme when the opportunity arose. While undercover, I did actually launch a new business. I donated money to Breast Cancer Haven Yorkshire for every person who registered with the business.

Since then I've gone on to help them raise more money through a sponsored event. In September I will be part of another new business launch, JumbleAID, whose sole purpose is to raise money for UK registered charities and community interest groups. I have also started to make efforts and plans to go back into educational institutes to talk to young people about how to maximise their own potential. This more 'philanthropic' approach is one I would look to maintain as I go forward in business.

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