Page 35 - link magazine

Michael Jackson’s bodyguard keeps his feet on the ground Outdoor Zumbathon
Swindon-born millionaire entrepreneur, close friend of Michael Jackson and former pupil at Greendown School, in aid of Prospect
Matt Fiddes has returned to the town to launch a new dance academy franchise to add to his global brand of The Bowl, Old Town Gardens, Swin-
martial arts schools. don on Sunday 14 July, 10am to
Describing the new venture Matt Describing his relationship with the 12.30pm, led by Claudia Albornez.
said: “Our headquarters will be at late megastar Matt said: “I was a close Get your gym gear on and join the
Cheney Manor and we will be build- friend of Mike, who used to come and fun to raise money for Prospect Hos-
ing on the same themes of respect, stay at the De Vere in Swindon quite a pice. Entry is £10 per adult, £1 per child
self-reliance and discipline as with lot, disguised in a burkha. He loved it For details, contact Helen Forster on
the martial arts. here away from the London crowds. 01793 529098 or mail: helen.forster@
“We’re already interviewing dance He was really into martial arts and I virginmoney.com
instructors so this is a great opportu- helped him train up to second degree Helen, who works in the Vir-
nity to bring more jobs to Swindon.” black belt. I never took any money gin Money store, is raising money
Since 1997 Matt has grown his from him and was just his friend. By for Prospect Hospice via www.
business from a small martial arts the end of his life when he had no ready uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Swindon-
school in North Devon to now hav- cash I was picking up his hotel bills. VMStore
ing over 600 nationwide franchises, “Mike was a lovely guy who wanted
including 12 in Swindon, along with his life to be the greatest show on Janet’s
schools in Australia, Germany, Hol- Matt and Moniqe Fiddes, now living in earth yet remain a complete mystery
land and South Africa. Swindon. Image: Richard Wintle www. to people. This made him make some Puppy
Before leaving Greendown at the calyxpix.com strange decisions that obviously Skool
age of 16 Matt’s careers’ advisor told never looked back. In the end I failed caused him problems. But underneath Have fun teaching your dog
him there was no money in teaching every exam I took as I was only really it all he was an ordinary person.” good manners and behaviour
martial arts. Two years later he pulled interested in physical sport.” Despite its glamorous appearance at one of our friendly classes
up in his brand new Ferrari, having Over the years Matt has attracted Matt is under no illusion that his life 3 Playskool class for puppies
registered 700 members to his fitness much national media attention be- isn’t hard work. He and his wife Mo- 3 Adult beginners/improvers
3 Senior Skool/advanced classes
training franchises in Barnstaple, ris- cause of his connection with celebri- niqe, a best-selling singer from South 3 One to one advice & training
ing to 2,000 members one year later. ties such as Michael Jackson and Uri Africa, are now in Swindon to expand 3 Fun agility workshops
Commenting on his education Gueller. Recently there have been his business empire, launch her UK www.janetspuppyskool.co.uk
Matt said: “I was bullied a lot as a questions over his possible paternity music career and welcome their first APDT Member (01066)
kid so moved between schools a bit. of Jackson’s youngest son, Blanket, baby in November. Janet Garrett DipCAPBT Dip.dog.psy
A friend of mine got me into martial which Matt said he has no intention Find out more about the new dance Tel: 01793 727158
arts as a way of defending myself and I of pursuing. academy at www.mattfiddes.com [email protected]

Thameswood Vets

Making Life Better

Free Health Checks In The Park

On Saturday 27th July our team of qualified nurses will be
at Lydiard Park providing FREE health checks
for all dogs as part of National Veterinary Nurse Month.
Our team will be on hand to discuss all aspects of your
pet’s health care between 10am and 2pm (opposite the cafe).

So why not come along and meet us. We look forward
to seeing you there.

62-64 Purton Road Open:
Swindon SN2 2LZ Monday to Friday
(end of Akers Way) 9am - 6.30pm Find us on
Tel: 01793 526780 Saturday 9am - 12noon Facebook
www.thameswoodvets.co.uk

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