• Cancer,  My Blog,  Recovery

    Power & Benefits of a Cold Water Shower

    Chill Out: Unlocking the Surprising Power and Perks of Cold Water Showers Embracing a cold water shower transcends mere routine; it’s a profound daily ritual that enhances both physical vitality and mental well-being. For me, as a Cancer Survivor, its significance lies in fortifying my immune system, a pivotal benefit in my journey to health and resilience. Each brisk 5-minute immersion in cold water becomes a transformative practice, shaping not only my body but also fostering mental resilience. It’s a training ground where physical toughness converges with mental clarity, cultivating an unwavering mindset and strengthening the spirit. Embracing the Cold Stepping into that cold shower initiates a daily journey toward…

  • My Blog,  Recovery

    Good Pain or Bad Pain ?

    Pain is a complex sensation; it’s our body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. There’s a difference between good pain and bad pain. “Good pain” might refer to the discomfort you feel during exercise or physical therapy that indicates you’re pushing your limits in a healthy way. It can lead to growth, strength, or healing. On the other hand, “bad pain” often signals injury or harm and requires attention or intervention to prevent further damage. It’s crucial to differentiate between the two to take care of yourself properly. “What if I had heeded the surgeon’s words over 60 years ago when he said, ‘Roger, you may never be able…

  • Adventures,  Expeditions,  My Blog,  Recovery

    Unsung Heroes  

    Sherpas, guides, and porters are the ‘unsung heroes’ and ‘overlooked champions’ whose invaluable contributions underpin our extraordinary adventures, yet often remain overlooked. Without their unwavering support, achieving our goals would be an almost insurmountable challenge. They bear the weight of crucial equipment and supplies, guaranteeing our sustenance, hydration, and shelter. Moreover, their expert guidance and vigilant presence play an indispensable role in safeguarding us throughout our voyages and adventures. It was a bittersweet, last night, on Mt Everest. We had achieved what we had set out to do – play rugby at altitude. On the Mountain we had seen friends sent home early. Twenty-seven of us arrived at Everest base…

  • Recovery,  Speaking

    Adventures in Sobriety

    By ‘transformational living’ you can creating a ‘life you love‘. White knuckled sobriety does not work in extreme and challenging conditions…….. This is the remarkable and inspiring true story of a man who went from being a violent criminal and alcoholic to a charity worker, extreme adventurer and world record holder. Not only has Roger Davies faced challenges of extreme cold in the Arctic , searing heat in the Sahara and an uncompromising North Atlantic, but he has done this whilst latterly battling cancer and staying sober one day at a time. Told in his own gritty, unique and entertaining style. Roger’s story proves that there is no limit to…

  • Recovery

    Without Recovery – My Life was hanging by a thread!

     Recovery from Crime, Addiction, Cancer and Mental Health problems can be a challenging and rewarding journey.  In 1983 after being clean and sober for 2 years I was still holding on tightly to the old ways. My reaction to most situations was to attack first. I had yet another fight or rather I had exploded and inflicted unnecessary pain spilling the blood of a fellow member of a 12-step group that was helping me better my life. The violence happened in front of a number of friends, people who knew me and had befriended me, but this time they no longer supported my behaviour. I sat alone in a café…

  • How To's,  Recovery

    Ache or Agony?

    Why do I put up with discomfort or good pain? My personal basic ‘identification’ of bad pain > intense, sharp, stabbing, deep. #livealifetodiefor #MoreThanMyPast #itsrogerx

  • Cancer,  Recovery

    Embracing Life Beyond Cancer

    Chemotherapy killed my Cancer cells: Thanks NHS Drawing from personal experience, initiating your path to recovery and improved health begins with gradually integrating a routine featuring daily walks, yoga sessions, and dedicated stretching exercises. Embracing walking as a cornerstone offers a simple yet powerful entry into aerobic activity. Action in Remission from Cancer – Knowledge without practical application is merely idle chatter…. Personally, I’ve discovered that committing to 45 to 60-minute walks, undertaken 4 to 5 times per week, at a moderate pace, has proven immensely beneficial for my well-being. Furthermore, it’s essential to address the potential issue of muscle loss, which can occur when physical activity decreases during cancer…

  • Cancer,  Recovery

    Cancer & Chemo

    Let’s talk about Cancer & Chemo On Monday 21st September 2020 I underwent a CT scan on my thorax; and on the 29th, Dr T Nakos told me that I did indeed have cancer. A few days later Dr J R Jones, a consultant haematologist confirmed the diagnosis; I had B-cell lymphoma cancer. My first thought was ‘game over’ My second was ‘you bloody drama queen!’  After the initial shock of being told I had cancer, I felt numb; then slowly emotions of anger, anxiety and sadness jumbled around inside my head. I felt I had to ask the big question: ‘OK, doc, give it to me straight. How long…

  • Recovery

    Inspirational Reading During My Arctic Trek

    An old friend, ‘Belfast Archie’, suggested I take the ‘Big Book’ with me to the Top of the World. It’s more than merely a book; it’s a source of inspiration. It is the story of how tens of thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. The basic text was written in 1939 by Bill W, with support from Dr Bob. It has served as a lifeline to millions of drunks worldwide, helping them to recover from alcoholism. It is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other, so they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from…

  • Recovery,  Speaking

    Inspirational Speaker

    “Live a Life to Die For”. sums up my philosophy I am  an accomplished motivational speaker. One man’s journey in recovery from Crime, Addiction and Cancer to Wild Adventures Having  personal  experiences of expeditions in the Arctic, Rowing the Atlantic, mountains and playing the two highest games of Rugby in history; to relating to challenges people face in recovery and in their everyday lives. My inspiring world of adventure encompasses a wide range; even my self motivation in arduous and extreme conditions, mental and/or physical. Typifying my tenacity or pig-headedness in overcoming the odds. **I need to remind myself that each of us has our own personal mountains to conquer;…