Why did you decide to volunteer for
The Island?
CB: Following my 60th birthday celebrations last September, I decided that I was finally happy with who I am and what I do – and was motivated to start a ‘bucket list’ of experiences to enjoy before I shuffle off this mortal coil.
I came across an article looking for volunteers for a social experiment with Channel 4 and Bear Grylls. I applied there and then but my involvement wasn’t actually confirmed until January 10th, and three weeks of complete pandemonium followed before the departure date of 28th January.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the island?
CB: The first problem we faced was the need to find water and build a fire when we arrived. As soon as these were
solved, the next two weeks brought the single biggest challenge to overcome – not enough food. It took two weeks
surviving on a mere 300 calories a day before we achieved what could even remotely be described as a sustainable
food supply, with the group collectively losing 20 stone in weight.
Even after that, the search for food on a daily basis was pre-eminent – it occupied huge amounts of time and required massive amounts of energy and intellect. So much in fact that it became all consuming and we barely had a chance to think about home, family, work or anything else.
What were the other people on the island like?
CB: An extremely varied group of people were brought together for this experiment, so, while there were no physical assaults (strictly forbidden), there were many disagreements with regards to tactical and strategic decisions amongst other things. As a result of this, the lack of food and unbearable heat, a wavering yet ever-present tension settled in the group.
There were two parallel aspects to be monitored throughout this experiment – that of our survival and our ability to relate to each other despite significant differences in emotional stability, age, socio-economic background and intellect.
What were the highlights of the experience for you?
CB:A particular highlight for me was witnessing 28 of the most beautiful sunsets I will ever see in my life. I would walk along the beach at sundown (when the temperature cooled) every day for some solitude and reflection, watching a breath-taking red sun sink into the Pacific. It was spiritual in its beauty and a perfect backdrop to contemplation – the ultimate Zen experience.
Another highlight was a nighttime expedition into a crocodile infested mangrove swamp. Desperate for food, we were to hunt for crocodiles in the dark with only head torches, wading through waist deep water at the mercy of poisonous fish, jelly fish, crocodiles and hungry mosquitoes. While common sense screamed that this would be a stupid decision, I volunteered. I was thrilled that I did – it was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done in my life.
Were you able to utilise any of your skills and dental knowledge on the show?
CB: As the group discovered my background, a scene of great hilarity followed in that I became the camp ‘dental monitor’ and the first to brush my teeth with ground charcoal dust from the fire. Such was its success that this became a habit for the group, initiating one of the world’s most primitive oral health regimes in the Gulf of Panama!
Having worked as a dental coach, there were other skills I could use on the island. Relationship management skills I had acquired came into play when disagreements arose, and I became somewhat of a ‘peacemaker’ in certain disputes. I was also able to help people when they were experiencing dark moments, when either physically or emotionally they’d had enough and despair was setting in. In one particular situation, I was able to help another member of the group work through such a time and help them make the decision to stay. I needed all the tools
from the coaching and counselling box, but this was probably the moment I was most proud of from my entire
experience on the island.