The Max Factor with Max Clifford

Above: Max Clifford reveals all for Surrey Life

A remarkable young man...

Ian Munro, a 26-year-old from Old Woking, was knocked down and seriously injured in a car accident last August and for several weeks his life was in the balance. Fortunately, however, he pulled through, largely with the help and considerable skill of Dr Andrew Martin and his team at St George’s Hospital, Tooting, along with Dr Phillip McClusky and his team at the Woking Community Rehabilitation Centre.

His recovery was also helped tremendously by the continuing care and support of his mates and fellow players of Ripley Football Club. Fundraising events to help financially and constant companionship from his many team mates have played a big part in Ian’s fight back to health and fitness. I was delighted to attend the fundraising dinner organised by those friends at the Mandolay Hotel in Guildford. Several thousands of pounds were raised, which will be a big help to Ian, I know, until he is fit again and able to go back to work, hopefully in the next few months.
What a breath of fresh air to see a crowd of young guys showing continued kindness and support for Ian and his family at a time when it was so needed.

Two Weddings and X-Factor…

It’s been a busy few weeks but I’m certainly not complaining – firstly, to the picturesque Villa Crespi on Lake Orta in North Italy, for the marriage blessing of Kerry Katona and Mark Croft. It was a truly memorable event in many ways and I was very proud to give the blushing bride away. She looked gorgeous as she posed for pictures in front of the spectacular backdrop of Lake Orta and the mountains.

Then onto Marbella for Boot Camp with Simon Cowell and his X Factor wannabes, more glorious sunshine and another stunning villa, which will be seen soon on ITV.

Incidentally, all Simon’s catering during his five-day stay was taken care of by former Surrey resident Barbara Fawcett, together with her business partner, chef Ian Barnes. Barbara is a Yorkshire lass who lived in Richmond, Surrey, before moving down to Marbella to open her “Mad Hatters” café, which is situated above Puerto Banus, and has become a firm favourite with the British community and now Simon Cowell.

Barbara is one of many Brits I know who have moved to this part of Southern Spain, in search of blue skies, warm sunshine and a different lifestyle. In my experience, most of those who have made the move are very happy they did. Although I love living in Burwood Park, spending two or three months a year in this area of Nueva Andalucía during the past ten years or so has been brilliant.

From Marbella back to the UK, currently writing this column at 35,000ft on my way home to attend the wedding of old mate Des O’Connor, 75, and his partner of 17 years Jodie Brooke Wilson. Des has been a good friend for 30 years, in spite of the fact that I arranged Freddie Starr’s many manically disruptive appearances on his chat show Des O’Connor Tonight.

My partner Jo and I are very much looking forward to the wedding at Highclere Castle in Newbury, a beautiful setting for what I’m sure will be an extremely stylish and also very funny occasion. This is because Bradley Walsh, Bobby Davro and Joe Pasquale are all insisting on paying their own special and intimately revealing ‘tributes’ to Des.
I’m reliably informed that Des will also be singing, but you can’t have everything... Let’s just hope Jodie will be too as she has a really lovely voice.

An important addition for Weybridge

The very good news for those who live in and around Elmbridge is that a friend of mine, Dr Anne Appleton, has just opened the Weybridge Breast Clinic as a supplement to the local NHS services. Breast cancer is the commonest form of female cancer and a source of anxiety for many. Incidentally, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month.

So welcome to Weybridge, Anne, and I’m sure many women and the occasional man will benefit from your expertise, just as a good friend of my daughter Louise did several years ago when I referred her to you. Your quick and thorough diagnosis and treatment has meant that seven years on, she is a very happy, healthy young mum still in remission. www.weybridgebreastclinic.com

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