Dymphna

Saint Dymphna (also: Dympna, Dimpna, Damhnait, Damnat, from Gaelic Damh=stag and ait=little, i.e. "fawn".) (pronounced "Dimf-nah") is a Christian saint. According to the Christian tradition, she lived in the 7th century and was the daughter of a pagan Irish king and his Christian wife. She was murdered by her father. The story of St. Dymphna was first recorded in the thirteenth century by a canon of the Church of St. Aubert at Cambrai, commissioned by the Bishop of Cambrai, Guy I (1238–1247). The author expressly stated that his writings were based upon a longstanding oral tradition and a persuasive history of inexplicable and miraculous healings of the mentally ill.

Story of her life and death

According to Christian tradition, Dymphna was born in Ireland in the 7th century. Dymphna's father Damon, a petty king of Oriel, was pagan, but her mother was a devout Christian. When Dymphna was around 14 years old, she consecrated herself to Christ, taking a vow of chastity. Shortly thereafter, her mother died. Damon had loved his wife deeply, and in the aftermath of her death his mental health sharply deteriorated. Eventually the king's counsellors pressed him to remarry. Damon agreed, but only on the condition that a bride as beautiful as his deceased wife was procured for him. After searching fruitlessly, Damon began to desire his daughter, because of the strong resemblance she bore to her mother. When Dymphna learned of her father's intentions she swore to uphold her vows, and fled his court along with her confessor Father Gerebernus, two trusted servants and the king's fool. Together they sailed towards the continent, eventually landing in what is present-day Belgium, where they took refuge in the town of Geel.

John Tickell

Dr. John Tickell (born 29 January 1945) is an Australian doctor, businessman, author, former athlete and speaker.

In his younger days, Tickell played Australian rules football, first with the University Blues team and later with the Hawthorn Football Club in the Victorian Football League (now known as the AFL). In a brief career spanning 1965-66, he played 18 games with the Hawks for 2 goals. During this time he graduated from the University of Melbourne with a degree in Medicine.

Tickell later became a general practitioner, obstetrician and a specialist practitioner in sports medicine. He has written several books, the most notable being The Great Australian Diet and Laughter, Sex, Vegetables & Fish. He has also appeared on television shows such as Celebrity Overhaul providing advice on healthier lifestyle.

Among his business achievements including the collaboration with Jack Nicklaus in creating the Heritage Golf and Residential Country Club in Victoria. He has also appeared as a public speaker on issues such as how to turn stress into success and how to live a longer, healthier life.