Spotlight on… Chris Maffey

Chris Maffey (not on his bike)

 
Chris joined the K&H team in 2006 and recently became an Accounts Manager with his own client portfolio.  He is a keen cyclist and spent his 2008 summer holiday cycling from John o’Groats to Lands End.    

Your recent stay in hospital came as a bit of a surprise, didn’t it?
Yes, three weeks before my mountain biker’s holiday I bought a new bike through the Cycle2work  scheme.  Unfortunately I had a rather nasty accident in the local woods and cut my arm quite badly, requiring stitches. At the time I was more concerned that I hadn’t damaged my bike. Two days later my return to hospital for a 5-minute clean and rebandage of the wound, became a 5-day stay in hospital as I needed an operation due to blood poisoning. On a positive note though, there were some very nice nurses!    

What was the last book you read?
I’m afraid I’m not a big reader and apart from study material, I can’t recall reading a book since leaving school. All my knowledge comes from TV or the internet!     

Do you have a favourite TV programme?
I always make sure I watch F1 each season, regardless of what time the TV coverage starts. I’ve recently got into The Inbetweeners which has been a good series. Unfortunately it has finished for the time being but I understand a film is currently being made, so I’m looking forward to that.     

How do you like to keep fit?
My fitness is something I am always trying to improve. My regular routine consists of: 3-5 gym sessions per week (mainly weight training), 25 miles cycling to work each week, playing football on Saturday and football training on Tuesday.     

Quite a routine, Chris! Which football team are you playing for?
I play Saturday football for a local side, AFC Corinthians. This season I have been playing for our first team and we are currently fighting hard for promotion. My highlight this season was playing in a cup match in Henley Town Stadium.     

You’re a Southampton supporter at heart – do you get to any of the matches?
Having once been a ‘Young Saint’, I used to try to travel down to watch the occasional home match at Southampton, as well as any local derby between my town of birth and Reading FC. However, since Southampton has been relegated to League One, I must admit my support for them has somewhat waned.     

Any favourite places in the UK Chris?
In 2008, I cycled from John o’Groats to Lands End. I have a vivid memory of Glencoe in Scotland, surrounded by mountains; blue sky above white wispy clouds – very picturesque.     

Do you have any money-making tips that you’d like to share?
For the last three years or so I have been cycling to work rather than driving. Although it’s only a five and a half mile round trip, you can imagine some money has been saved. I have also been keen to try my luck at the stock markets, but so far am unable to unearth any money-making tips here!     

Any short-term – or long-term – plans ahead?
These sort of link in with each other. Next year my aspiration is to get on the property ladder although I am still thinking of whether to actually move in and rent a room, or buy to let.     

My longer-term plans are to gradually build up a property portfolio and hopefully one day to use this income to support retirement. Yes, I’m already thinking of retirement!