Who was the biggest inspiration you met during the making of the show?
Byron, who was terminally ill. Even though the cheque I gave him was for the smallest amount, for me it had the most impact. He didn't want to use the money to do anything big - he already has a lovely house and a lovely wife - all he wanted to do was go on a fishing holiday on the Norfolk Broads with his family. I felt scared before I gave him the cheque because he's a proud man but it was brilliant to give him the money so that he could have that fishing trip. Giving out cheques felt like breathing life into people.
Has being on the programme changed your outlook on life?
The show hasn't changed my outlook because I knew before I went on it that you could pick any place in the UK and there will be poverty, death, sickness but I didn't expect to go to a community where everybody was hit by it. It was bonkers.
I've worked extremely hard for my money and for me, it was a large amount that I gave away so it mattered that it went to the right people. There were plenty of deserving people who I met but there also some who weren't. One day, someone put a brick through my window, they didn't even steal my hairdressing equipment, which was worth £1000s, but just did it out of pure spite. So although it was nice to be able to help those who did appreciate it, it's also frustrating when you've got people making things even harder for their own community by doing things like that.
Do you feel that businesses have a role to play in helping charities?
Yes. I believe that businesses should help out. If every business was to give a small percentage of money or take on a Saturday girl or boy just so that they could prove themselves, it'd make our communities a better place. Businesses should be doing more for their own communities. It doesn't take much but it helps improve society.
What are your favourite memories of making the programme?
Playing football with the lads from Jaywick. Meeting Byron. Seeing people's faces when you've given them a cheque for £28,000 knowing that they've spent the last six months trying to raise £3000. And knowing that the money is going to change that organisation's plans for the next couple of years - that's a great feeling.
Have you been in touch with anyone since filming the show?
Yes. The two Brooklands charities are now working closely together, even sharing a building and I'm going to go back and cut the ribbon at their opening. I also try to talk to Byron once a week.
