14/09/2026
What a journey it has been.
The top photo was taken 12 months ago at a Spring Fair when I did my first display. At the time, I was only about six weeks into treatment after finally getting some answers about what had been going on with me.
For about five years, I’d been putting on weight, couldn’t lose it, dealing with a lot of pain, and generally wondering what the hell was going on. After years of trying to get to the bottom of it, doctors finally found the problem, and I was able to start getting it treated.
I won’t get into all the medical stuff, but that day was the beginning of a pretty big change for me.
And then there’s Lincoln. In that first photo, this little bloke had his wooden crocodile and was absolutely wrapped to be around the reptiles. He and his family have supported what I do from day one. During the year, we even got to take reptiles to his birthday, and then Saturday, 12 months apart, they came back to the same Spring Fair and supported us again.
Lincoln is an absolute little legend. He loves reptiles, he loves animals, and seeing kids get that excited and passionate about wildlife is one of the biggest reasons I love doing what I do.
But yesterday, when I looked at these two photos side by side, it hit me just how far I’ve come.
Same place. Same little bloke. Same love for reptiles. 12 months apart.
And without Lincoln wanting that photo with me 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have this comparison sitting in front of me now.
I’m still on the journey, but I’m finally heading back towards where I was five years ago, healthier, feeling better, and getting myself back on track.
And hopefully, over the years, Lincoln and I get to take many, many more photos together. The kids are the future, and watching young people develop a genuine love and respect for our native wildlife is bloody special.
Thanks for coming back, mate. Keep loving those reptiles, keep asking questions, and keep being the little legend you are. 12 months down. Plenty more to come.
