Credit: ITVSelf-confessed TOWIE 'fossil' Ricky Rayment is taking on a new challenge - raising funds in a bid to cure Parkinson's Disease by sky diving this August.
In an exclusive interview, Ricky tells FemaleFirst all about why the charity is close to his heart, maintaining a loving relationship whilst in the spotlight and filming dramatic scenes for The Only Way Is Marbs.
You're an ambassador for The Cure Parkinson's Trust - why is this charity close to your heart?
My Grandad died of Parkinson’s disease about 12 years ago, so it has made a stamp on me. Also my uncle is quite involved with trying to help cure Parkinson’s disease so I wanted to do something for them both, and help in any way I can.
Your Grandad did have Parkinson's, how did that affect his life going forward?
Well when it was early days there wasn’t too many problems, overall he was still very self sufficient, but over time as it got worse he wasn’t able to do too much. He needed to be pushed around in a wheelchair, and toward the end needed to be admitted into a Home, so it really affected my Grandma and the rest of our family.
You'll be sky diving this August to raise funds for the charity, how do you feel going into that?
I’m super excited. But of course I’m nervous... as you can imagine the thought of jumping out of a plane is pretty scary! I’m in now, there is no way of getting out! I’m sure it will be fun!
Would you say you're an adrenaline junkie or do you like being in control?
I would say I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie! Love rollercoasters, and I’ve jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, so I would say I do chase the buzz a bit. So I’m excited for the sky diving!
How can people get involved, sponsor your sky dive and donate to the cause?
I put all the info on my Twitter and there is a lot of information on the charity’s twitter, but here is the link for getting involved:
http://www.cureparkinsons.org.uk/skydiving-ricky-rayment
Obviously you're very well known because of your role in TOWIE - do you think you'll be with the show forever?
I’m considered a fossil in TOWIE, as I’ve been around for a long time! But I love it and have been commissioned for another 4 seasons – which is another year and a half, which is great. The longer I’m there the stronger the TOWIE bond gets, so hopefully I’ll be in TOWIE for a lot longer!
You and Jess Wright have gone through tough times but come out of everything even better than before, what's the secret to keeping the love alive?
Credit: WireImageTo be honest there is no secret. If you really love someone, the love will always be there so you will try to do everything you can to keep the relationship ok. Of course at times it’s difficult and there are obstacles you must overcome, but if you find the right one the love will always stay alive!
How difficult is it to maintain a relationship on a reality show and whilst being in the spotlight?
It’s hard, but at the end of the day it’s the life we chose so we can’t complain. It does feel like everyone has a magnifying glass on your life, and people try to pick the smallest things and make it big, but it’s ok. It can get difficult at times because of course there are things that we want to keep between the two of us but can’t, but it’s been over 2 years now so you just get over it.
You both want marriage and kids in the future, do you have any definite plans for either yet?
There are no definite plans, when it happens it happens! Jess is very busy at the moment so I don’t think a baby is on the table for a little while, but at the same time it is something we want to do at some point. We are in the process of moving house at the moment, so we’ll wait till we are stable and then the rest will come.
You said on This Morning you and Jess are the "agony aunts" for the TOWIE group, who have you had to give some advice as of late?
Well in Marbella, there was a big rift with Bobby and Harry, so we were a listening ear then. Also with Ferne and Charlie, we always kept our door open for Ferne, when she was going through some tough times. But to be honest we are there for everyone!
What was the experience like of filming in Marbella?
Well I’ve done it 3 times now, so it’s kind of ‘the usual’ but it’s nice! The sun is amazing, there are nice bars and when you aren’t working you can go out in the night, so it’s a lot better than filming in cold England. Also there is always a bit of drama over there…you always know something will happen!
Finally, what's next for you?
Just keeping my head down and hopefully will be cracking on with a few projects. I’ll still be on TOWIE too!
The Cure Parkinson’s is a registered charity in England and Wales (1111816) and Scotland (SCO44368).
www.cureparkinsons.org.uk
http://www.justgiving.com/rickyrayment
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