Dan Bond, Youth Worker for the Platform Project’s #iDare magazine. Age 39.

"I live in Swindon, however I am originally from Kent. I am married with two children (three if you count my dog Vinnie – which I do!). I enjoy walking my dog Vinnie and geocaching (GPS ‘treasure’ hunting), often at the same time."

When were you happiest?

Watching a funny film or TV series with my wife and children, where we are all in hysterics.

What characteristic do you dislike most in other people?

Selfishness is something that really ‘grinds my gears’. Especially when it has a direct impact on the lives of others.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

When I was at university, I visited a friend at a neighbouring halls of residence (which I did on a daily basis). It was a big tower block and all the floors and communal areas of the flats were identical. I got out of the lift and onto his floor and knocked on his door. A girl answered who I recognised but couldn’t place, but as my friend shared the flat with other guys I just assumed it was another guest. I nodded, walked straight past her and pushed open my friend’s bedroom door. Immediately something didn’t look right, the curtains were pink, scatter cushions were all over the bed and the room looked tidy. It was from this moment that I realised that I have gotten off at wrong floor and entered a complete stranger’s flat.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

I would probably say Martin Freeman (The Office, Sherlock and The Hobbit). Not only is he a great actor but he also has very down to earth and easy going qualities.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I had quite a lot of ideas about job roles when growing up and to be honest, I still do! I went from wanting to be an astronaut to wanting

to be a writer (I loved writing poetry and stories as a child). Then throughout my teens, I got quite into athletics and I wanted to become a

professional athlete or a physiotherapist.

What book, film, TV series or song changed your life?

The Adrian Mole Diaries book series by Sue Townsend. Reading his first diary ‘The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 ¾’ was a revelation to me. I continued to follow the diaries into his adulthood (and into mine). There are far too many similarities between Adrian and I that I care to admit, I think it is fair to say that he has been my ‘litmus test’ in life.

What is your greatest fear?

Like most people I have several fears but by far my greatest fear is heights but more specifically to fall from a height… I would’ve made a rubbish astronaut.

What living person do you admire and why?

Barack Obama, he was a complete game changer when he became President of the United States. He inspired a generation and brought people and whole communities together.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Watching YouTube videos about ghost towns, abandoned buildings, theme parks, tunnels etc. I can spend hours down this rabbit hole.

What is your worst habit?

Getting insanely obsessed over things/topics that I find of interest, devoting hours and hours of my free time before moving on to an new topic. Currently this habit involves watching YouTube videos about ghosts towns, abandoned buildings, theme parks!