Mo Chaudry

My upbringing
My family arrived in Luton from Pakistan in the 1960s. I was eight and the only non-white child in the junior school. I couldn't speak a word of English, only Punjabi, and I was picked on mercilessly by a small group of boys. I hated school and I felt so alone.

Once I started to speak English, the bullying stopped and I realised how important it is to be able communicate effectively.

First job
I had a big wake up call when my dad got me a job at the factory where he worked. The shock of seeing the working conditions and both my older brother and father toiling away, I decided to knuckle down and work hard and focus on improving my life. Sometimes negative experiences can make you react in an equally positive way.

My lifestyle
I'm not at all extravagant. Obviously I now live well but I have no desire for the extra material trappings and rich man's toys.

It's a fantastic feeling to have ended up where I am today and it's because of, not despite of, my upbringing. It's amazing what you can achieve if you have the motivation. The insecurities still linger but that's not a bad thing in my opinion; it keeps you hungry and focused and success driven.

My favourite moments of the show
There were many. Meeting Scabba was a particular favourite. He is the same age as my older brother and then to learn that he was a martial arts champ and competed in the same era as my brother and I was compelling. And then to learn he was helping children to find a positive purpose really made him an even bigger legend in my eyes.

Over all, it was the active participation in all the activities I found especially enjoyable and seeing kids having a good time.

The most important I guess has to be the reaction from the beneficiaries when I revealed myself and the shock in their eyes was amazing.

The life-long effects
This project has had a profound experience on me. It has been a real eye opener and has made me realise that I have a responsibility to do something positive.

I saw goodness but I also heard extremist opinions. I saw a ghetto mentality. I met young people who see no future, have no aims, purpose or ambition. I saw distrust of other communities. I saw crime, anti-social behaviour and reverse racism. It is hardly surprising that negative actions arise when people feel useless and unwanted. I was shocked - and we ignore this problem at our peril".

Mo Chaudry's Water World website
waterworld2000.co.uk/

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