0:00:00 > 0:00:03The Salvation Army used to have an effect on me when I was a kid
0:00:03 > 0:00:07and I'd look at the drum with envy and think,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09"I would kill if I could just have a go on the drum."
0:00:09 > 0:00:11That's what I wanted to do.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15At many times throughout my life, our paths have crossed.
0:00:17 > 0:00:18There you are.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20So, for the last three months,
0:00:20 > 0:00:23on their 150th anniversary year,
0:00:23 > 0:00:26I've been working with their officers and volunteers...
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Vegetable soup.
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- Did you enjoy that? - Fantastic. It was wonderful.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34'..on my very own training course.'
0:00:34 > 0:00:37Do you know, you're putting off old age with all this.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39'I've travelled up and down the country...'
0:00:39 > 0:00:43If it hadn't have worked out for me, I could be in your position now.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46- Oh, thank you.- You're welcome.
0:00:46 > 0:00:47Look at his size of him.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49'..and I've gone overseas.'
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Too much.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55'Tonight, I take on my final challenge,
0:00:55 > 0:00:57'perhaps the hardest one of all.'
0:00:57 > 0:00:59He massaged my heart in his hands
0:00:59 > 0:01:00- and they were saying prayers. - Prayed.
0:01:00 > 0:01:02Oh, God.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05'And I've faced some tough questions from my mentor.'
0:01:05 > 0:01:07Whether I've been saved or not.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10I don't know whether I've fallen, to tell you the truth.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14'Before I get to fulfil my childhood ambition
0:01:14 > 0:01:17'of donning a uniform and leading the Sally Army band.'
0:01:17 > 0:01:20- Here we go.- It's fabulous.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31I'm coming to the end of my Sally Army training course,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33guided by my mentor, Captain Jo.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38To be honest, at first, I think Paul found it really surprising
0:01:38 > 0:01:41how difficult the job is of a Salvation Army officer
0:01:41 > 0:01:42and those who work with us,
0:01:42 > 0:01:46but he really quickly proved he was more than capable of giving it a go
0:01:46 > 0:01:48and I'm really impressed with him.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49It's been extraordinary.
0:01:49 > 0:01:53I now know far more about what they do and who they help.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56Today, I'm setting Paul his final challenge and I'm really hoping
0:01:56 > 0:01:59that all the things we've learnt over the last few months
0:01:59 > 0:02:00will have helped to prepare him for this.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04It's where we feel some of our most important work is done.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I'll be going with him to a hospice for the terminally ill where
0:02:07 > 0:02:11we'll be spending time with people who are literally facing death.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14It's one of the most difficult things we do in the Salvation Army
0:02:14 > 0:02:18and it's a huge privilege to spend time with people in their last days.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22I'm not scared of dying, what worries me is about the way I die.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25You know, I'd hate to sort of lose my independence
0:02:25 > 0:02:27and be reliant on people.
0:02:27 > 0:02:31When I had my heart attack, I died in the ambulance for three minutes
0:02:31 > 0:02:32and they brought me back.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35And everyone says to me, "Did you see a white light?"
0:02:35 > 0:02:37No, I didn't see anything like that.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39All I saw was an ambulance driver's fist down my throat
0:02:39 > 0:02:41shoving fizzy aspirins into me.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47St Christopher's is one of over 200 hospices in the UK.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50It's funded by donations and provides palliative care,
0:02:50 > 0:02:52nursing and family support.
0:02:54 > 0:02:58Around 800 people with incurable illnesses come here every year
0:02:58 > 0:03:02and they are cared for in their final days by dedicated staff.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07Jo's right, this is by far my hardest challenge.
0:03:07 > 0:03:10This is where we do a really key part of our training
0:03:10 > 0:03:12and I wanted to introduce you to some people that help us learn
0:03:12 > 0:03:15how to travel with people in their last days.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- OK.- We're going to spend some time with some really amazing people
0:03:18 > 0:03:21and learn some really important lessons today, I think.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22All right then.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- Hello.- Hello, Paul. Good to meet you.- Nice to meet you.- Andrew.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30'Helping me through this training is Reverend Andrew Goodhead.
0:03:30 > 0:03:33'He has helped hundreds of cadets do this.'
0:03:33 > 0:03:35How do you prepare for death?
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Part of it is just having people who are willing to be with you
0:03:38 > 0:03:41and, actually, when you get to that point of wanting to say,
0:03:41 > 0:03:44"I need to talk now," there's somebody willing to listen.
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Not to shut the conversation down,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49but is just willing to say, "Tell me how you feel. What's going on?"
0:03:49 > 0:03:51People that you're going to meet today are going to be really,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54really honest with you and very, very open.
0:03:54 > 0:03:57- I suppose that happens, though, as death's drawing closer.- Yeah.
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- There's no time.- There is no time.- To play games.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04'The first step for me is to meet some of the people on the wards,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07'those who don't have a lot of time left.'
0:04:07 > 0:04:10Patients are with us probably on average 11 days.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Although some stay for longer than that.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15So we're just going to meet Edward.
0:04:15 > 0:04:17- Hello!- Hello!
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Hiya. How are you doing?
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- Not so bad, mate.- Can I sit on your bed? Do you mind?
0:04:22 > 0:04:24Let me move around a bit.
0:04:24 > 0:04:25I see you've got a full house here.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29- Are they looking after you here, then?- Very good.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31- Yeah?- Very, very nice. - And how are you doing yourself?
0:04:31 > 0:04:33- How are you feeling? - I'm doing all right.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36I mean, unfortunately I was in the building trade
0:04:36 > 0:04:38and I got asbestos.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41- Oh, no.- Mesothelioma.
0:04:41 > 0:04:45Got short of breath one day and they said, "You all right?"
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- I said, "No, I don't know," because I was a fit guy.- Yeah.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And then it got worse.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55They found my lung completely full with fluid.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58Did it shock you when you found out? It must have.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- It was just out of the blue. - Good God.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04It could lay dormant in you for 35 years.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06And this is because of asbestos.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08And you're pain-free now at the moment?
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- Well, touch wood.- That's good.
0:05:10 > 0:05:12- It's early days, yet.- Yeah.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16These are powerful things, aren't they, these pain blocks?
0:05:16 > 0:05:18Dear me, they sent me out the window!
0:05:18 > 0:05:22THEY LAUGH
0:05:22 > 0:05:24I might have one myself while I'm here!
0:05:26 > 0:05:29When the going gets tough, I always think that's what bails you out,
0:05:29 > 0:05:31sense of humour and a pain blocker.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33THEY LAUGH
0:05:33 > 0:05:35But it's great to meet you, it's really is,
0:05:35 > 0:05:38and, listen, I wish you all the luck in the world, do you hear?
0:05:38 > 0:05:39Thank you very much indeed.
0:05:39 > 0:05:41And your lovely family, as well. I'll see you again.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- You take it easy, yeah? Look after yourself, mate.- Thanks, guys.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46Humour, I always found, is the best medicine.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48It's true, you know, isn't it?
0:05:48 > 0:05:50We'll go off to City Ward
0:05:50 > 0:05:52and I think that's where we'll meet Michael.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Michael O'Grady.- Michael O'Grady. Yes, your namesake.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56- He might be a relation.- Well. - You never know.
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Hiya.- Hello. This is Paul. - Mr O'Grady.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03How are you doing? I'm a Michael O'Grady myself.
0:06:03 > 0:06:05- Yeah? - Yeah, Paul James Michael.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07- We might be related. - Somewhere down the line.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11You're in the will!
0:06:11 > 0:06:14So where is your family from, then, the O'Gradys?
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Oh, were they Cork? All ours were Galway.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20It's nice to meet a fellow O'Grady.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23We're few and far between, you know! LAUGHTER
0:06:23 > 0:06:25So what brought you into us, Michael?
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Was it some symptoms you had or pain?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Yeah. And you've had your birthday here, obviously.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39Have you had your birthday?
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- Oh, is it? Saturday? Are you having a do in here?- Yeah.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- Yeah, I should think so and all! - How many years?
0:06:48 > 0:06:5049 years.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Well, I hope you have a great wedding anniversary
0:06:55 > 0:06:58and that the party that rocks the building.
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- You have to have a good 'un!- Yeah! - Yeah. Yeah. No, have a good 'un.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05THEY LAUGH
0:07:08 > 0:07:11That's what he's asked for. Well, when the inevitable happens.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13That all of the money is donated to St Christopher's.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- Oh, wow. - Oh, that's great.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16Because of everything that they've done,
0:07:16 > 0:07:18he doesn't want flowers or nothing.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- He wants it all to go here. - Incredibly generous.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23- Yes, it is.- It is. You're incredibly brave and all, I have to say.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25Oh, but look, it's great to meet you. It really is.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Yeah.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30But you look after yourself. Do you hear? Yeah, will do, kiddo.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- Listen, it's nice to meet you. - Thank you.- Take it easy.
0:07:35 > 0:07:36Tonight.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Can I just take a picture of you?
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Course you can! Come on, we'll have a photo.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45We've told quite a lot of people over the years
0:07:45 > 0:07:46that you're Dad's brother,
0:07:46 > 0:07:48So I don't know how we're going to explain this!
0:07:48 > 0:07:51- The kids all think, yeah!- When they ask, here's the proof!- Yeah.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54"See, here they are together, now what more proof do you want?"
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- Great, thanks a lot.- You're welcome. - Brilliant.- Look after yourself.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Keep your strength up. I'll see you, take it easy, OK, Michael?
0:08:02 > 0:08:04- Take care.- Bye-bye!
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- They're so brave, you know? - Yeah, when you think about
0:08:08 > 0:08:10what they're facing, you wonder if we would be.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11- I know.- I hope we would, actually.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14- Facing uncertainty, that's what it is.- Yeah.- It's not death, for me.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17- No, it's living with the uncertainty.- Yeah, that's it.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20'It's not just those dying that it's hard for,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22'it's also the people around them.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25'I know what it's like to be a carer. I've been there.'
0:08:26 > 0:08:30The carers take the weight of the world on their shoulders.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33You forget about yourself, you're not important any more.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35The person you're caring for is who,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37you know, you give all your attention to.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41This is Kay, she's been looking after her husband Len
0:08:41 > 0:08:44for six years, ever since his heart was damaged during
0:08:44 > 0:08:48an emergency operation when they were on holiday in Northern Cyprus.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55Now, tell me, Kay, how're you coping?
0:08:57 > 0:08:59- We're coping.- Yeah. - Each day is a blessing.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01The carer's often neglected, you know.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- You've got to look after yourself. - I know.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05And you've got to stop worrying.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- I know that's impossible... - That is!- It's impossible.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11It's easy for me to say this, I know, but you have to give
0:09:11 > 0:09:13yourself a bit of respite from it and give yourself time.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16So how is he coping?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18He has dark moments,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21because he was very active and the doctor said, you know,
0:09:21 > 0:09:25if you need to do something, you do it now, don't wait till tomorrow.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Yeah. Listen, has he got anything he wants to do?
0:09:29 > 0:09:31Yes.
0:09:31 > 0:09:35For one final time, he would love to feel the sand between his toes.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- You know? - PAUL SIGHS
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- What, a beach?- Yes.- Can he travel to a beach?- No.- No.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Has he got a good sense of humour?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Oh, a brilliant sense of humour, yes.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- You know I'm playing Fairy Godfather in panto?- Yes?
0:09:49 > 0:09:51THEY LAUGH
0:09:51 > 0:09:53Well, I might have my wand with me.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56'There's got to be something I can do here.'
0:09:59 > 0:10:04The hospice runs a weekly art class, both for patients and carers.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07It gives them a chance to share what they're going through.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11Hello. ALL: Hello! You're very quiet in here, it's like school!
0:10:11 > 0:10:14LAUGHTER
0:10:14 > 0:10:17'Kay's invited me to join her and Len today.'
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Thank you very much.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22It's like school! Do you find this helps you deal with what's
0:10:22 > 0:10:25- going on in your life at the moment? - This is great.- Yeah?
0:10:25 > 0:10:26This is the best thing.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29The best thing that's ever happened to us, really.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- Do you all agree there? Do you think this is wonderful?- Yeah.
0:10:31 > 0:10:35When you're at home, you don't want to keep on talking about...
0:10:35 > 0:10:36Like, you're ill and...
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- Do you feel guilty for that, you know?- Yeah.- Yes.
0:10:38 > 0:10:42Well, you shouldn't, you know. You really shouldn't.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- The hardest part is talking about death.- Yeah.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48My husband, we've been married for 34 years.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50He doesn't want to talk about death.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52When you're at home, you hold it back.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55You're all dealing with a common enemy, aren't you?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- You know, you're all living and fighting it.- Yes.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01So you've all got a common bond there you can talk about.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- And that must be such a relief? - Yeah, definitely.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07'It's obvious that this class is a kind of release for them all.'
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- So this takes your mind off everything?- Yes.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- Mine all started from having a stent fitted.- Oh, tell me about stents!
0:11:14 > 0:11:16So go on, tell me. You had a stent fitted?
0:11:16 > 0:11:18Yeah, and it caught the artery,
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- which caused the bleed. - PAUL GASPS
0:11:20 > 0:11:23And he had 72 hours to live.
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- So it was a tear putting the stint in?- Yeah.- Mmm.
0:11:27 > 0:11:32Because I've got six stents. I don't think people realise about stents.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34You say, "Oh, I'm having a stent fitted!" you know,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36- like as if I'm going for new shoes.- Mmm.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40I've only got half a heart and only 30% of that is working.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- They had to do a double bypass thing.- You had a bypass?
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Did they do a bypass?
0:11:45 > 0:11:48They had to, because it was, he either dies,
0:11:48 > 0:11:49or we operate and he dies.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51It was no option, really.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53And when they did the bypass,
0:11:53 > 0:11:58he massaged my heart in his hands and they were saying prayers.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Oh, God.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- I mean, that's a story of horrors, isn't it?- Yes.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06So they can't do no more, that's it.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- I can't go for a transplant or anything.- God.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15Thanks to her, I'm still here.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- She's done a good job. - She has, yeah. - PAUL CHUCKLES
0:12:19 > 0:12:21But this is a terrible strain on you?
0:12:21 > 0:12:22Yeah.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26I went to bed and had a heart attack!
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- You know, it's the last thing you expect.- Yeah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30And then like a fool, lay there and thought,
0:12:30 > 0:12:34"Oh, well, I won't bother anybody. THEY LAUGH
0:12:34 > 0:12:37Last time I went to my cardiologist, this'll get you going,
0:12:37 > 0:12:39he said, "You haven't got a pulse."
0:12:39 > 0:12:42LAUGHTER
0:12:42 > 0:12:44But, look, thanks so much for talking to me.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46It's really lovely meeting you all, you know.
0:12:46 > 0:12:50I'm going to say a word now. You're inspirational.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52You know, the carers as well,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55just the way you're dealing with everything, you're so brave
0:12:55 > 0:12:59and so stoic and if I had a hat on, I'd take it off to you. Seriously.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- And I wish you all the very, very best in the world.- Thank you.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- No, I do. Seriously. - Right back at you as well.- Yeah.
0:13:07 > 0:13:10APPLAUSE
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I thought they were really brave, the way they're dealing with it,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15because how do you talk about your own death? You know?
0:13:15 > 0:13:18How do you talk about dying, how'd you face dying?
0:13:19 > 0:13:22But before I leave, I want to do something for Len.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- I've got something for you!- Oh. - It's called Playa Del Peckham.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31Oh, right! Excellent!
0:13:31 > 0:13:34'Len can't travel, so the seaside wasn't possible.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36'But I wanted him to be able to feel sand
0:13:36 > 0:13:38'between his toes for one last time.'
0:13:38 > 0:13:41# We're going to Barbados! #
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- Right, you ready?- Yeah.- Here we are.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47In sunny Playa Del Peckham! LAUGHTER
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Oh!- Can you manage?
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Yeah. Excellent!
0:13:51 > 0:13:54I know it's not the real thing, but you can sit in a deckchair
0:13:54 > 0:13:56and close your eyes.
0:13:56 > 0:13:57The Pina Coladas are over there,
0:13:57 > 0:13:59and you can put your feet in the sand. Yeah.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02This is ideal! We should do this at home!
0:14:02 > 0:14:05And here's a Pina Colada, get that down your neck! There you go.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06Thank you very much.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Right, I'm going to leave you two to enjoy your time in the sun.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14- Cheers, Paul!- Oh, no, Cheers to you! You're here!- Cheers.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17I wasn't expecting this at all. It's just amazing.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18- Cheers!- Cheers, darling.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20'It's a small gesture, but it's put a smile on Len's face
0:14:20 > 0:14:23'and that's good enough for me.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- Que sera, sera. That's the attitude. - Yeah.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28You know? They're ready to face it, the inevitable.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- And you see now why we come here? - Yes, very much.
0:14:31 > 0:14:34It makes you wonder though about our own attitude.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37So if you were facing it tomorrow, how you would deal with it?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40And when some of the cadets come here, very often,
0:14:40 > 0:14:44they leave, not in bits, but they leave deeply moved.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Well, for a lot of people who've never faced death,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48this would be horrific.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51- Yeah. This would be... They wouldn't be able to handle it.- Mmm.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54But I'm an old hand. We know the Grim Reaper, really.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- You've been through some stuff, I hear you on that, yeah.- I have.
0:14:57 > 0:14:58So I'm sort of prepared for it,
0:14:58 > 0:15:03but I should imagine a young officer coming in, it would shake them up.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- Yeah.- But it's going to happen to all of us.- Yeah.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- I used to be in showbiz, you know! LAUGHING:- Oh, did you(!)
0:15:08 > 0:15:11I used to do things on the stage,
0:15:11 > 0:15:13a slashed curtain and a bit of fire-eating!
0:15:13 > 0:15:16It's a wonderful place, this. It really is.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19And I think anybody scared of death should come and visit here.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22Life's for living and we have to think about now,
0:15:22 > 0:15:24not what's going to happen in the future to us,
0:15:24 > 0:15:28because as I've said, death is inevitable. But don't dwell on it.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Just get on with your life and when it comes, it comes.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35Paul was amazing today and had a great attitude.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39And he's absolutely right, it is all about quality of life.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41I think the way that he opened himself up
0:15:41 > 0:15:42and was available to everyone he met
0:15:42 > 0:15:46was quite extraordinary and he's more than earned my respect.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48After his tough training,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51I really want Paul to experience the lighter side of what we do.
0:15:51 > 0:15:54We don't just support those who are experiencing illness,
0:15:54 > 0:15:57we think it's important that everyone in their later years
0:15:57 > 0:15:59gets the most out of life.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02I'm at a Salvation Army-run community centre
0:16:02 > 0:16:06and I'm going to an exercise class for the elderly -
0:16:06 > 0:16:10and I don't want any cracks because you'll get a slap, OK?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13This class has been running for 12 years
0:16:13 > 0:16:15and it has over 40 regulars.
0:16:15 > 0:16:17Today, I'm joining in and getting to know
0:16:17 > 0:16:19some of the ladies who come here.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21I know lots of friends - they don't go out anywhere, you know?
0:16:21 > 0:16:23You see, that's sad, isn't it?
0:16:23 > 0:16:25- It's up to you though, Paul. - I was just going to say that.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27You can just sit at doors and look at four walls
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- or you can join these clubs.- Yeah.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- You've got to get out and... - You've got to get out and about,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- it keeps you young.- Yeah, exactly. That's the attitude, isn't it?
0:16:35 > 0:16:38And all you ladies, you seem very hospitable.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Well, I'm a new member and you've welcomed me.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Paul, you can come any time, dear. - I'm coming next week!
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- Come Tuesday because they're having a roast.- Oh, do they?
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Oh, very nice!
0:16:49 > 0:16:52One of the oldest in the group is Lily.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55- Your 94.- Yes!
0:16:55 > 0:16:58You're remarkable for 94. What's your secret?
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Well, I've never, ever smoked. - Never?- I've never got drunk.- Never?!
0:17:05 > 0:17:08I really look forward to coming here.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- Do you believe in is keeping fit?- Oh, I do.- Yeah, yeah.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13- I do it every morning at home as well.- Oh, do you?- Yeah.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Oh, good for you!
0:17:15 > 0:17:18As though I was riding a bike - I do this!
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- And do you feel 94? No?- No!
0:17:20 > 0:17:23No, of course you don't. This is it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Oh, well, good on you, Lily, that's all I can say.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Good on you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31'Oh, I can see what difference this class makes to them all.'
0:17:31 > 0:17:32Oops!
0:17:33 > 0:17:36Nearly took my eye out there, did you see?!
0:17:36 > 0:17:38And centre.
0:17:38 > 0:17:42'I'm getting the hang of this, all pretty gentle.'
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Right, guys, we're going to do our tag dance game.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Are we ready? - ALL:- Yes!- All right!
0:17:47 > 0:17:50'OK, tag dancing. Well, this could be interesting.'
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Marching in your chairs, using those arms. Lovely, good!
0:17:53 > 0:17:56'Ah, she means chair dancing.'
0:17:56 > 0:17:58# I'm comin' up
0:17:58 > 0:18:01# So you better get this party started
0:18:01 > 0:18:04# Get this party started on a Saturday night... #
0:18:05 > 0:18:07'I didn't expect that.'
0:18:10 > 0:18:13# I'm comin' up
0:18:13 > 0:18:16# So you better get this party started. #
0:18:18 > 0:18:20'Right, in for a penny, in for a pound.'
0:18:22 > 0:18:24# I must confess I still believe... #
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Come on, Lil!
0:18:27 > 0:18:29Take your time.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31'I hope it's all right but I just had to tag Lily.'
0:18:31 > 0:18:34# Give me a sign... #
0:18:34 > 0:18:37# Tragedy!
0:18:37 > 0:18:39# When the feeling's gone and you can't go on... #
0:18:39 > 0:18:42'I imagine this is what a Girls Aloud reunion
0:18:42 > 0:18:44'will look like in 50 years.'
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I don't know where she gets her energy from. 94!
0:18:47 > 0:18:49Yup, 94!
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Well, you've done well there. You've done a full circuit.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55You have, you've done really well. Incredible!
0:18:55 > 0:18:58# When the morning cries and you don't know why...#
0:18:58 > 0:19:00The Sally Army believe it's important for all of us
0:19:00 > 0:19:03to get the best out of life, whatever our age
0:19:03 > 0:19:05and these lot are certainly doing that.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11'I can't believe it, me training is over.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14'I've learned so much about the organisation
0:19:14 > 0:19:18'and the challenges faced by the officers on a daily basis.
0:19:18 > 0:19:20'Now it's time for my big finale.'
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- Nice to see you.- And you. Are you all right? Give us a cuddle.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25When I first met Paul he told me that he
0:19:25 > 0:19:28was desperate to march with the Sally Army band down Oxford Street.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30It was his dream.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32And I told him if he got his sleeves rolled up
0:19:32 > 0:19:34and nailed his training,
0:19:34 > 0:19:36then maybe he could be a guest with them for the day.
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Do you know what? He's nailed it.
0:19:38 > 0:19:40So it's a big day today.
0:19:40 > 0:19:41Because you know our Salvation Army uniform
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- is a declaration of our faith, that's the first thing.- Yeah, yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47- The S's stand for something. - The S's stand for Saved to Serve.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49So it's who we are and what we do all in one place.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- Yep.- We don't want to give that to you because that's actually
0:19:52 > 0:19:54- a big thing to ask of you. - Well, it is...
0:19:54 > 0:19:56How do you feel about those two S's in your life?
0:19:56 > 0:19:57That's a big question.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59PAUL EXHALES
0:19:59 > 0:20:02Whether I've been saved or not? I don't know if I've been saved.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05I don't know whether I've fallen, to tell you the truth.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- That's all right.- This is the other thing that made me
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- question doing this.- Yeah.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13You know, I've done some peculiar jobs in my time, that's guaranteed.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16You know what I mean? And I've had a bit of a racy past, I'll admit that.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19But if you believe in a higher being then it's up to him
0:20:19 > 0:20:21whether I've been saved or not, it's not up to me.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Do you know what, I would totally go with that.- Yeah.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25In terms of judgement, it's not up to me to tell you
0:20:25 > 0:20:28whether you're saved. I am personally really grateful
0:20:28 > 0:20:31for the way that you have immersed yourself in every single thing
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- you've done with us. - Well, I've enjoyed it.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34I know some of it's been quite harrowing.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- It's kind of like your graduation. - It is.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39All the different things that you've been involved with
0:20:39 > 0:20:42and today you get to realise that childhood dream
0:20:42 > 0:20:44to march out with the band.
0:20:44 > 0:20:46You know, I've been on protest marches and demos in the past,
0:20:46 > 0:20:50but I never thought that actually on a Sunday morning I'd be out
0:20:50 > 0:20:53there in a Salvation Army uniform marching with the band.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56The uniform we've got for you is in the Salvation Army style.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58For all the missions I've asked you to get involved in,
0:20:58 > 0:21:01this is the most public, this is the most historical.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04We've been doing this for the longest time.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09It was in 1878 that William Booth introduced brass bands to his army.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12He saw them as part of the mission to reach out to the
0:21:12 > 0:21:14poor of East London.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Many had never set foot inside a church
0:21:16 > 0:21:19and so the Salvation Army marched through the streets
0:21:19 > 0:21:21to the sound of the band.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23You really couldn't miss them.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27Now in the UK they have over 400 brass bands.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29There's a little bit of weight on you.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32It's a privilege not afforded to everybody.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34I know and I'm terrified that I'll make it look a mess
0:21:34 > 0:21:36or I'll get out of step.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39And on that drum you can have a little bit more fun as well.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- You do know that... There's a bit of...- I'll be giving it a bit of...
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- Yeah.- You can get a bit of swagger, you know? A little, "Ahh..."
0:21:44 > 0:21:47I just hope I don't play for, like, a burlesque group.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Giving it the slow kettledrum thing.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51I think you've got to do it your way, though.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- Don't... This isn't a sausage factory.- Yeah.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56- Do Paul O'Grady doing a Salvation Army March.- Can you smile
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- or do you have to be quite solemn? - You have to smile. Feel free.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00I thought we were all very, you know...
0:22:00 > 0:22:03Well, it has to be joyous, otherwise who's going to follow that?
0:22:03 > 0:22:06So I'm going to leave you to it now to get changed
0:22:06 > 0:22:09and then we will line-up with the band and...
0:22:09 > 0:22:11But, you know... You know, I don't get stage fright
0:22:11 > 0:22:12and I'm a bit... Not...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Oh, really?! You're nervous! - Not nervous as such.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16I don't know what it is, it's odd.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19I just... I don't know. I feel like I shouldn't be doing it, really.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23OK, remember you have given out food parcels to be homeless,
0:22:23 > 0:22:25you have taught children how to bake,
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- you have given food to refugee children...- Danced with old ladies.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31..you have done everything of who we are.
0:22:31 > 0:22:34You have the right and we're giving you this privilege for a reason.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- Fabulous, Captain.- Enough said.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38- Well, I'm going to get it on now. - I will leave you to it.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Would you all like clearing the room, please?
0:22:40 > 0:22:45This ain't a strip show. Come on, hop it. Out! Out! Go on, out.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47If you want to watch it, you've got to pay.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49There you are.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51Do I look saintly?
0:22:51 > 0:22:54Do I? Or do I look like a tram driver?
0:22:54 > 0:22:56I'm not sure about the hat now.
0:22:56 > 0:22:59You can't really wear it at a jaunty angle like that, can you?
0:22:59 > 0:23:02It's a bit Dietrich.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04I've passed. Yeah, no, I think I have.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Well, Jo said I passed with flying colours.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Are they all waiting there for me to come out?
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Oh, I'm mortified! I've gone shy.
0:23:12 > 0:23:13The can't believe it!
0:23:13 > 0:23:16I can walk on to the Palladium and it wouldn't bother me.
0:23:16 > 0:23:18It wouldn't bother me one iota.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22And, yet, here I am in Oxford Circus dressed as a Salvation Army officer
0:23:22 > 0:23:25holding a drum and I've gone shy. I can't...
0:23:25 > 0:23:28Are they all out there waiting...? Oh, no!
0:23:28 > 0:23:30The shame of it.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33HE MUMBLES NERVOUSLY
0:23:36 > 0:23:39- Hey up, what do you reckon? - Looking very smart.- Thank you.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42- I feel like such a fraud. - Not at all, not at all.
0:23:42 > 0:23:45- We'll see you at the front.- OK.
0:23:45 > 0:23:47Are you ready? OK.
0:23:47 > 0:23:48'All right, this is it.'
0:23:54 > 0:23:58BRASS BAND PLAYS
0:23:58 > 0:24:00Oh, this is fabulous!
0:24:04 > 0:24:06'This is wonderful, just wonderful.'
0:24:06 > 0:24:08'It's a real honour and I can't believe
0:24:08 > 0:24:10'I'm finally getting to do it.'
0:24:12 > 0:24:15BRASS BAND PLAYS
0:24:21 > 0:24:24I'm part of the team and you're there marching with your drum
0:24:24 > 0:24:27and it's just sensational.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'The last three months have been an incredible journey for me.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32'I thought I knew about the Salvation Army
0:24:32 > 0:24:35'but I had no idea they did so much and helped so many.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40'Right from the start my training has been a real eye-opener.'
0:24:40 > 0:24:43I didn't do any feet washing but it was nice to be able to sit
0:24:43 > 0:24:45and chat to them.
0:24:45 > 0:24:47'I got used to expecting the unexpected.'
0:24:47 > 0:24:50You want me to do a Bible class with children?
0:24:50 > 0:24:52'And when things didn't go my way...'
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- HE SHOUTS: I'm going to dry, you wash.- What?
0:24:54 > 0:24:56I'm getting on my own nerves here!
0:24:56 > 0:24:58Eventually I found ways to make things work.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01# Maria...! #
0:25:01 > 0:25:03Hey, good!
0:25:04 > 0:25:08I'm just here to support him and show him
0:25:08 > 0:25:10how proud we are of him today.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15I'm really excited to see him finally fulfil his dream.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23It's always bothered me that they don't accept people
0:25:23 > 0:25:25in same-sex relationships as soldiers.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27So I took that objection to the top.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29Say you were a same-sex couple...
0:25:29 > 0:25:31You wouldn't be allowed to be a member.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33But that's upsetting, really,
0:25:33 > 0:25:36because I know so many men and women who are gay and lesbian -
0:25:36 > 0:25:38they'd be the most wonderful officers.
0:25:38 > 0:25:42They could volunteer for us, you could come to our church services.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45If you want to become a soldier in the Salvation Army you have
0:25:45 > 0:25:47to commit to what we believe.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50'One of the most difficult points of my journey.'
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Within the organisation they have restrictions, but for people
0:25:54 > 0:25:56who are looking for help, they're not judgemental at all.
0:25:56 > 0:26:01They'll help anyone, regardless of sex, race, religion, whatever.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06'It feels that my work with the Army has taught me
0:26:06 > 0:26:11a lot about the issues facing struggling families today.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14- I don't deserve to come to come to somewhere like this.- But you do.
0:26:14 > 0:26:17- If your kids are hungry...- You've got to eat.- You've got to eat.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- I just think people need to know there's no shame.- Absolutely.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21There is none at all.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23It took me to the heart of the refugee crisis
0:26:23 > 0:26:26and the immediate help needed there.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28What's going to happen to them now?
0:26:28 > 0:26:31- Go home, you!- Just go! Just go!
0:26:31 > 0:26:34It's just like a pebble in the ocean - hopeless.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Paul did a fantastic job supporting the Salvation Army and finding out
0:26:43 > 0:26:46what they do for people across the country.
0:26:46 > 0:26:47'I'll tell you what I have learned,'
0:26:47 > 0:26:50that I never really left social services.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52'I thought I might have gone showbiz and I haven't.'
0:26:52 > 0:26:55So that's very reassuring to me, that I'm still the same person
0:26:55 > 0:26:57- that I used to be.- Yeah.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00I'm just an ordinary person doing an extraordinary job.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03'The Salvation Army have reminded me
0:27:03 > 0:27:06'it's about listening to people as they face the problems.'
0:27:06 > 0:27:09I lost all my family. I still couldn't stop.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- We'll have no messing when we get in there.- Come on, then.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15'And supporting them as they come out the other side.'
0:27:15 > 0:27:17- You should be proud of yourselves.- Oh, thanks.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20You can see it in their eyes - they got a future now.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23I got myself in a bubble. It's like, I don't want to be here any more.
0:27:23 > 0:27:25You needed a friend.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29'The more you support people, the more it changes you.'
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Now everyone's trying to get him to stop talking.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37He's been cheering me on all the way through my campaign
0:27:37 > 0:27:39to get better as well.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42'As I see all these people that I've helped along the way
0:27:42 > 0:27:46'cheering me on, I realise I've actually learnt a lot.'
0:27:46 > 0:27:49I really appreciate it. Aren't they good, eh? Aren't they?
0:27:50 > 0:27:54'It's open my eyes, opened my heart
0:27:54 > 0:27:57'and I'm proud to be able to bang on my drum and march with them.'
0:27:58 > 0:28:01Well, I never thought I'd march down Oxford Street
0:28:01 > 0:28:03and I loved every second of it.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05You've come to the end of your journey with me in particular
0:28:05 > 0:28:08- and with the Salvation Army.- I'm quite sad.- I'm going to miss you.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Come here because I've really enjoyed myself. Honestly, I have.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- I've had a...- Has it been worth it? - It has very much.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I loved it. I could do that again.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19BRASS BAND PLAYS
0:28:24 > 0:28:26I mean, I haven't got my two S's.
0:28:26 > 0:28:28But give me time, folks, give me time.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31# I used to smoke
0:28:31 > 0:28:32# I used to drink
0:28:32 > 0:28:37# I used to smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
0:28:37 > 0:28:39# I used to smoke and drink
0:28:39 > 0:28:42# Smoke and drink and dance the hoochie-coo
0:28:42 > 0:28:44# Yes, I did
0:28:44 > 0:28:46# But now I'm standin' on this corner
0:28:46 > 0:28:49# Prayin' for me and you
0:28:49 > 0:28:51# Yes, I am. #