💙 Welcome & Thank You

First of all—thank you for visiting, and for taking the time to read my story. It means more than you know.

👋 Who Am I?

Hi, I’m David—born and raised in Lancashire and live in Essex, best known around here for two things:

My passion for rescuing domestic birds

And my love of football (the real kind, not the American version with all the padding.— the one with goals, passion, in your blood and questionable refereeing decisions)

But life hasn’t been easy, behind the birds and the banter, life’s thrown me more curveballs than a dodgy pub quiz. I’ve survived more than my fair share. I’ve experienced more than most could imagine—trauma, violence (physical and emotional), loss, and personal battles that I carry with me every day in my mind and with the scars. I live with PTSD, anxiety, and long-term health conditions including seizures. But through it all, I’ve always tried to hold onto kindness, resilience, and purpose, putting others first. But I am now getting told I need to look after myself and my health (why, making others happy gives me a reason to go on), but I suppose I can't make people happy if I am not here. So this event is my final charity push.

💔 A Life Shaped by Experience

From being stabbed for my phone to witnessing a coach fire on the M6 and hearing the scream of those on there :') even today it brings me tears), the things I’ve seen will stay with me for life. I’ve witnessed domestic abuse first-hand in my own family, and lost three women I loved—my mum, step mum and Lynne— that lived through Domestic abuse.

I’ve seen close friends suffer through abuse too—both men and women. And losing Lynne, someone I considered as one of my best friends who inspired me by showing that you can still live a beautiful life after trauma, if you have the right people and support.

This is where my mission really begins.

🐦 Rescuing Birds & Healing Souls

Amidst all the chaos, I found peace in something unexpected: bird rescue. Since 2008 after taking in Quavers, that had been rescued from a house Fire in North Wales and her owner could not take her to the Nursing home. Quavers show so much love and devotion I never knew existed, being with me 24/7, in doors and outdoors, on my shoulder, traveling on Trains to Essex and just made me to proud. Quavers started me on a life to give Birds that have suffered a home and care. I’ve rescued over 40 domestic and 100's of wild birds—each one with a story as unique as their feathers. Wild Birds have been taken Miles to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, I walked many times to make sure the Birds got help. Some made others did not. I became known as the Birdman of Wickford because I was always on call to help Birds. I may have not looked after myself, but I tried for the Birds.

Some Domestic Birds from over the years:

🕊 Bobby the Cockatiel – arrived at age 29, lived to 31 and a half. Sadly had a stroke in my hands at 3am ish as I desperately tried to get her a Vet.

🦜 Sparky the Nanday – practically lived on my shoulder from 21 to 26 after coming to me from Hertfordshire after her owner passed away from Cancer. R.I.P Alan and thank you for entrusting me with Sparky, she had some colourful words and knew when to use them.

🐣 Finchey – a Finch legend who lived to about 19 (yes, really) Found in a Garden aged about 9 (according to the Vets).

🔥 Delwyn – found with cigarette burns, broken feet, and more in a shop in North Wales. My Bravest Rescue as I demanded he be handed over to get help. I had to snatch him (not something I recommend, but I had to do it and the Shop owner was arrested) Today, he sings louder than a drunk David karaoke night using a megaphone and inspires me daily. Even though he still doesn't trust hands, he does sing to me and blows kisses. He probably never trust hands but I am ok with that as long as he's happy and not in pain.

 🕊 Pippa - (Came as Female but turn out to be Male, Found at the Bottom of a cage in a shop in Essex, I went to investigate and paid to take him home, Vet gave him 1% chance of survival, but he survived Metal poisoning and then a stroke and 10 years on, he's a strong Bird with a funny attitude and a baby squeech when rubbing his beak on your neck)

My current flock includes: Lou, Boo, Nibbles, Star, Dominic, (Pippa and Delwyn) Finchy Jr, King Bob, Rio, and Bluey. It’s a full house—and a noisy one at that!

💍 A Big Year, A Bigger Mission

This year is extra special—I’m finally getting married! 🎉
Our first wedding was cancelled due to Covid, and then our venue closed with no refund (cheers for that). But we’re back on track, and ready to celebrate in a different way.

However, my health continues to decline. That’s why I want to do one final, meaningful charity event. Something bold. Something outside my comfort zone. Something that raises funds, raises awareness, and gives me a reason to keep pushing forward. As I have to stop taking in Rescues and start looking after myself more (Doctors orders). My Current 11 Birds will be with me to their end, I made a promise to them and I demand I keep it.

🎯 The Cause: Domestic Abuse Support - Why?

This event is in honour of my mum, step mum, my best friend Lynne, and all those still facing domestic abuse. I want to raise as much as I can for domestic abuse charity—and I want your help to do it.

Your donation won’t just support an important cause—it’ll help me find purpose in the face of pain, and help survivors know they are not alone.

🚀 How You Can Help

✅ Donate generously – every pound makes a difference and pushing me out of my comfort Zone (not a bad thing) and having a laugh at me in support of a good cause.
✅ Share this page – spread the word far and wide
✅ Support the journey – send love, laughs, and encouragement, I know I won't hit the full amount, but you can try, I dare you. 

Let’s make this final fundraiser big, funny, crazy, embarrassing for me, and most of all—impactful. If I can face Wind, embarrassment and pain of walking the Lights, I hope you can spare a few Quid to make it worth while.

Together, we can create something unforgettable.
Together, we can help people feel seen, safe, and supported.

💬 Final Words

I always try to walk in other people’s shoes metaphorically and try to do my best when I don't feel like it.
Now I’m asking you to help make me walk a few miles physically. 

💖 Donate Big. Love Bigger. Help Loudly.

— David