Circus Memories. By Allen McPherson.

What is your story about?

It is a very short account of my journey through life, from when I ran away to join a circus, up to today, when I am running a circus school for children.

Because I do this, they do not have to run away from home to learn the skills of the circus.

Why did you choose to tell this particular story?

I wanted to tell people that you can become anything that you want to be.

It takes courage, ambition and hard work, but, it can be done.

What was the experience of making your digital story like?

The whole experience was very enlightening, and most of the stories told at the Blackpool workshop were excellent.

One which impressed me most was the story of Lisa, the Romany girl. To have the determination to do what she has done takes a lot of hard work.

I can relate to her problems with schooling, I left school at 12, with no qualifications, but I have run my own business.

My children went to nearly 500 different schools before they went to secondary school.

My eldest daughter, 40, was sent to a boarding school, but the headmaster asked if she could rejoin the family as she was very upset at being left behind, and did not do her work at school.

So I taught her a trapeze act. A few years ago I found out she was dyslexic, and I now know why she did not do her schoolwork.

She is now personnel manager for the Chinese State Circus. Which just goes to prove, that if you really want something, 'Go For It', and if you work hard enough you will get there.

Thank you for taking the time to listen.

Play the film