Over the years, there have been a number of people who have helped me
along the way and others who have inspired me to try even harder.

I know that I will not have remembered them all, but in this space I would
like to pay tribute to just some of those people.

Remember, I might have missed you for now but, new names
will be added in the coming weeks.

Jesus Christ

The Name above all names

Barack OBAMA - President

Yes we can!

Cassie BERNALL

Yes I am! Cassie BERNALL was a student at Columbine High School who was shot in the Columbine massacre on Tuesday April 20, 1999. Before shooting her, her killer asked if she was a Christian. On replying "Yes I am", she was shot dead. I am truly in awe of such courage

Mohammed ALI

Is, was and always will be the greatest

Julian ALLITT

One of the most competent and successful radio individuals in the UK. Now working in Germany

John AMAECHI - Basketball Player

Undoubtedly one of the most successful basketball players ever produced in the UK. Played in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, and the Utah Jazz. Entered the record books for having scored the first basket of the new millenium

Maya ANGELOU

A truly great author who told us why the caged bird sings. Oh! and that voice!!!!!!!

Sue ASHWORTH - Sports Producer

Producer of SKY's basketball programmes. A real perfectionist, who always gets the job done.

Andrew (Andy) COLE - Footballer

I am delighted to see the job he's done whereever he has played. Andy is one of the hardest working players in the Premiership and I hope he continues to do the business for a long long time.

Bill Cosby - TV Personality

A true star who has been the inspiration for millions of black people all over the world.

Colin Curtis - DJ

A great pal of mine during my club days in the North West. Colin has a great ear for black music, and he's introduced me to an awful lot of new quality soul music over the years.

Tony Dorsey - Basketball Player

There have been some truly great basketball players in the UK over the last 20 years, but Tony Dorsey will always rate as one of the best ever in my eyes. Not only is he a great player, but he's a great guy as well. Get to know him if you can.

Marvin Gaye - Musician

Probably one of the greatest singers who ever existed. A man who had a social conscience long before most of us knew what one of those was. Died in truly horrific circumstances at the hands of his father. If you don't know what Marvin Gaye stood for, then listen to his 'What's Going On' Album. Even all these years later, it is still amazingly relevant.

Trevor Gordon - Basketball player

An unbelievable talented English basketball player. Hard as nails when on the court but the nicest guy in the world off the court.

X

Tony Hale - Radio Producer

A fomer Radio 1 Producer, who gave me my first ever job on the radio. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond his control I did not go to Radio 1 at the time. Also gave me one of the best moments ever in my life. (more to come)

Tony Ingham - Radio Programme Controller

Tony was Programme Controller during some of my time at Piccadilly Radio. Amazingly talented, with a real bent for producing programming which attracted large audiences. He had the ability to make even the most difficult subject sound interesting.

Magic Johnson

My all time favourite basketball player. Undoubtedly one of the greatest point guards/play makers who ever picked up a basketball. Won 5 championships with the LA Lakers in the '80s.

Dr Martin Luther King Jnr

"I still have a dream" My inspiration. Probably one of the greatest men who ever lived.

Nelson Mandela

A man who has been through so much yet remains so meek. A real inspiration for our generation.

Dawn Payne -Assistant TV Producer

Former presenter at Sunset Radio, Manchester. Extremely talented and very professional, without doubt someone to watch out for in the coming years.

X

James H Reeve

A fine broadcaster with a mind of his own. An avid Manchester City fan who never gives up on his team.

Brian Redhead

Another one of my inspirations. Without doubt, one of the greatest broadcasters who ever lived.

Dr Mark Robinson - Fmr Basketball Player

Mark is a former player for the Manchester Giants, and the Sheffield Sharks. Recently got his Phd. A truly amazing player with a great personalty. He has stepped aside as Chairman of the Basketball Players Association and is an individual who demonstrates a great love for the sport.

Ray Rose - Radio Presenter

A true friend. What Ray Rose doesn't know about soul music is not worth knowing and if you'd like to see him work, then check out one of his regular gigs in the north west. For many years Ray presented the awesome Radio programme "The Sunday Night Experience" on MFM 103.4 and 97.1 Sunday evenings 7.00pm - 10.00pm. This show has now been taken off the air

Duncan Smith - (D Smith) 1959 - 2001

Another real friend. This is a guy who always went out of his way to help you. Was part of the legendary Dream Team on Sunset Radio, and was a technical wizard with computers and music scheduling systems. Oh yea! He's was into great soul music as well. What a guy!

Sir Garfield Sobers

One of the greatest cricketers who ever played the game. Captained the West Indies through one of its very successful periods and was in charge when cricket was still a gentlemen's game. A player who would always walk if he knew he was out and one who would never question the umpire's decision. Once scored 6 sixes in one over and held the highest test score of 365 not out, for many many year

Betty Stover

A woman of grace and charm who was treated appalingly by so-called fans of women's tennis in 1977. Betty made it to three Wimbledon finals of that year. Despite losing in all three, she left with her dignity intact. Betty showed that there is more to playing sport than just winning!

Tiger Woods - Golfer

Without doubt one of the greatest players ever to play not only the game of golf, but sport as a whole. A real gentleman who shows that sport can be played with grace and dignity

Colin Walters

The Programme Controller who first put me on the air at Piccadilly Radio. Another Radio professional in the UK and one who always had a talent for spotting presenters with something to offer. Always very supportive and constructive, but a very demanding boss who had me in tears more than once.

Peter Weil - Television Editor

The Editor of Open Air who first gave me a job on television. A real TV professional with a weird sence of humour

Oprah

A woman who took on the broadcasting establishment in the States and won. Tremendously successful television personality who has a heart. Simply the best.