Martin Smith is the author of the popular children’s books, The Charlie Fry Series. Diagnosed with CF since he was two, the father-of-one wrote the bestselling series in his spare time when he was advised by doctors to give up work for the sake of his health. Martin was the face of the CF Trust’s Christmas campaign in 2017.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charliefrybooks/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/footballboywonder/
What is your favourite joke?
What do you call a donkey with three legs? Wonkey!
What makes you smile?
Any discussion with Emily, my daughter. She makes me laugh like no other.
What is your favourite good news story?
As a former journalist, I’ve seen many stories – both good and bad. One that sticks out was a run-of-the-mill prostate cancer story that I wrote in the early noughties. Several years later, a man came into our office, said he’d read my story and followed the advice in the article to get checked. He had been completely unaware that he had early stages of cancer – and my words had saved his life. The power of the press, eh?
What inspires you?
Strange as it seems: every day life. The world is a wonderful place and being part of that vibrant mix is a pleasure, not something to be taken for granted.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The constant friction and arguments between people. Life is too short – yet some people prefer live in constant conflict. I will never understand it.
If you could have one superpower what would you choose and why?
Flying.
What is your favourite food?
Risotto – although I am partial to anything in the slow cooker.
What is your favourite drink?
Peppermint tea.
If you are going on holiday what luxury item would you take from home?
My Kindle.
If you could make one law, what would it be and why?
Politicians would have to tell the truth. It would make life far easier for all involved.
Give us a random piece of information about you that people wouldn’t know?
I had watched Star Wars: A New Hope more than 100 times before I was ten.
What is your favourite phrase or saying?
I have several: “It is what it is”, “Believe” and “We go again”.
What cause, project or event would you like to promote?
The work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust is invaluable. It gives extremely poorly children the hope of a brighter future. Thirty years ago, many would not have survived to see adulthood but, thanks to the work carried out by the trust, they can now live for much longer.
Who is your favourite music artist?
Oasis and the Gallagher brothers have pretty much provided the soundtrack to my entire adult life.
Who is the person that you feel has shaped your life most?
My wife Natalie – although my mother, sister and brother are very close seconds.
PJ’s or Not?
Hot or cold? Hot
Cat or dog? Dog
Blue or pink? Blue
Tea or coffee? Tea
Glass half-empty or glass half-full? Half-full
Pyjamas or not? Not
Night out or night in? Night in
Pizza or pasta? Pasta
Biscuits or cake? Biscuits
Wine or beer? Beer
Football or rugby? Football
Cinema or theatre? Cinema
Gym or TV? Gym … but only because I have no other choice!
Naughty or nice? Both
Silver or gold? Silver
Tent or hotel? Hotel
Bath or shower? Shower
Starter or pudding? Starter
Sheets or duvet? Duvet
Love Island or Game of Thrones? GoT
Finally, apple or banana? Banana