Jetting into a global music festival by helicopter, looking down at the colourful crowds, is the dream. But even though I was dressed like all the other festival goers and my team and I blended in seamlessly, I was carrying a two-way radio and staying sober throughout. I was there in my job as a close protection officer – a bodyguard in layman’s terms – looking out for my wealthy client, who wanted to be just like any other attendee.
Blonde and six feet tall, I could pass as her athletic friend. And while those of us looking after her couldn’t let our hair down, we made sure that she could. Protecting clients at places like Ascot, Wimbledon, Henley Royal Regatta or other events around the globe is just one aspect of the work I do. What I call ‘invisible security’ is my company’s speciality. Whether they’re a high-profile entertainer or an unrecognisable philanthropist, we help them blend in rather than stand out. Working for 15 years as an executive PA and chief of staff to high-net-worth families, I was increasingly intrigued by the organisation, planning and preparation of the longside. In 2013, I gained my Security ndustry Close Protection Licence. The asic course is 160 hours of classroom earning and practical exercises, including irst aid and training on handling igh-pressure situations.
OUNDING A BUSINESS
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin January 08, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin January 08, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
FAST & THRIFTY DINNERS
Filling family meals to save you time and money
ARE VIRAL FITNESS TRENDS WORTH THE HYPE?
Keen to know if the workouts she sees online can actually make her fitter, Rachel Tompkins, 44, gives them a try
GO OUT OF SEASON
While some European cities seem to go into hibernation over winter, others just get better in the colder months
MY LIFE IN MUSIC
Monica Cafferky, 55, reveals how certain tunes bring back special memories
THE DECISION THAT CHANGED MY LIFE
After trying diets without success, Breanne Concannon, 31, was left feeling hopeless
MY TOY ΒΟΥ KEEPS ME YOUNG
For Trish Hughes, 44, the thrills of being married to a man 20 years younger is worth all the judgement
'THAT'S NOT MY BABY'
Lying in the hospital bed, my husband Michael had tears of happiness in his eyes as he showed me a photo on his phone. 'Here she is,' he said proudly. 'This is our beautiful baby girl.'I stared at the photo and shook my head. 'No, that's not my baby,' I said. 'There must be a mistake.'It was August 2010 and I'd not long before had an emergency caesarean. I'd not had a chance to see Winnie when she arrived as she'd been whisked away for tests because she was nearly two months premature.
CAUGHT IN THE ACT
Hayley, 45, has her son to thank for crucial evidence
'I'D LOVE TO DO EASTENDERS'
Loose Women's Linda Robson on the daytime show, dating and her next career move
Beckhams INSIDE THEIR PROPERTY EMPIRE
We take a look at the power couple's posh pads