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Nick Gurney

_self "I had no great awareness of faith or religion as I was growing up - with the exception of my Mum, a Christian of many years praying to me, and the annual visit to church at Christmas. It was my religious studies at High School, and finding out about world's religions that got me thinking about the bigger issues in life - but my teenage years were upon me, and trying to impress the girls, listen to my music and just ‘fitting in’ took over.

In fact, whilst running a disco business and creating a career in radio, I never gave religion much thought until I was preparing for my first marriage. However, shortly after tying the knot that was forgotten; then, just after the birth of my second child, home life become intolerable and my wife moved away from our new home. So I was left with a new ‘Presenter Job’ at a radio station in Leicestershire, and looking after two children on my own.

These were the tough times, I was establishing myself On-Air in a new area, having to get up at 4.45am for work – which I still do - needing to look after my two children and having to have my son monitored, as the school highlighted a possible Autistic link with his behaviour. I coped with loving my children but I needed love to support me, and being in a ‘bad place’ mentally I made bad decisions and ended up hurting myself and others. Then the most incredible thing happened!

I was introduced by a friend to Suzanne, a divorcee with two children herself, a love of music and a Christian, attending St John’s Church in Hinckley. Strangely enough she was divorced at the same time I moved into the area and I knew her vicar via my radio work. We soon started dating and on her suggestion I attended an Alpha Course, to stop, as she put it, ‘asking her questions all the time’. This led to me being ‘Born Again’ as a Christian in God’s family, and subsequently marrying Suzanne and doubling the size of our family.

What a difference being a Christian has made, and is still making to my life, as I look back I can see God was always supporting me - and looking forward I know He’ll be there. I wish I knew that during those tough times! With Jesus in the centre of my life, I’m a fulfilled, contented human being with a marriage both blessed and bonded, relationships with so many others continuing to grow. Recently at a review at work my boss said “you’re a lot easier to be around, Nick, since you became a Christian”. And God has changed me a lot – I am more peaceful, less selfish and less materialistic as I now have such a sense of purpose and direction coming from God instead of ‘things’."

With thanks to Nick and the Diocese of Leicester who told this story as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations.