This week’s legend is Paul Foskett Paul is another one who quietly makes his presence felt at the daily dips, and always gives so much to THE Project when we need a hand. Paul, his wife Pat and daughter Pip know heartbreak after the sudden loss of their beautiful son and brother Ted.
Paul has the courage to be open and share his journey through grief and sadness and with this vulnerability he has shown a strength that has truly helped so many people. Being able to acknowledge Paul coincides with Ted’s birthday tomorrow, which we understand is a very difficult time but one where we as a community can show him how much he and his family means to us all. But we also cant forget that Paul is also an absolute hoot. You can’t miss him on special event days because he brings out his special beanie (as pictured)
He is quick witted, has some pretty funny one liners and a genuine enthusiasm, especially at the floatie days, someone buy him a floatie, he keeps bringing his raft? You really are one of the nicest chaps around. We love you Paul
So what does he think about us?
How did you hear about The Human Excellence Project? A friend of mine shared a THEP post on Facebook saying how much he loved the work Paul Holliday was doing down at Hillary’s with the early morning dips and it looked like something that I could get involved with. As is common with a lot of our dippers, it takes a while to pluck up the courage to ‘just do it’. I think I took about a month. So long in fact I couldn’t remember the groups name so I had to ask my friend for the details he’d posted. He put me in contact with Paul directly and I turned up the very next morning.
What you love about coming to the dips? There are so many things I love about the project but if I had to pick just one, it would be the simplicity of THE Project. It’s basically meeting up, getting wet and having a laugh. It’s not a running club, gym or other sporting activity where the idea is to lift more weight, run faster or set a personal best. It doesn’t matter how old, wealthy, educated or healthy you are. Everyone gets wet to the same degree. It’s the ultimate leveler. So with that you get to meet people from all walks of life and every one of them excellent in their own way.
How you have benefited since you started?Everyone who gets down to the dips has their own reasons for turning up. I have personally struggled to come to terms with the loss of my son Ted in a tragic accident and tried several forms of counselling and therapy. Aside from my family who have also struggled, being part of the project, the connection and sense of belonging has without a doubt been the best form of therapy I have ever received. Truly thankful to each and every one of ya!!!
