If you ask me…Kevin Parish

Kevin Parish uses services in Plymouth and volunteers for the local primary care trust and the charity Rethink

Who has influenced you the most?
A frail, shy woman I worked with who changed beyond belief, inspiring me.

Which professional has helped you most?
Bruno Norcio, a psychiatrist from Italy.

What one thing would you change about care services in your area?
For services to be joined up.

What three words best describe you?
Intelligent (my IQ is 150), dumb (I don’t know how to use it), loopy (never expect me to be normal).

What event most changed your life?
Deciding to end it all. I set myself up in the garage with a noose. I had to bridge the joists with another piece of timber. At the crucial moment there was a loud crack. I fell heavily on my backside and  was hit on the head by a large piece of wood. I rediscovered my sense of humour.

What would you ban?
Positive discrimination.

What is your dream date?
A family reunion.

What is your greatest achievement?
Still being alive.

Where did you have the most fun?
At 12,000ft above Devon watching the aircraft fly away while falling to earth in a parachute jump.

What is your favourite expression?
“Please try and understand before one of us dies from old age.”

What cause would you fight for?
The triumph of understanding over ignorance.

How would you like to be remembered?
As a nice guy.