The story of Gay's eco-minded lifestyle was broken on the front page of the Steyning Herald, and across the Herald and Gazette series' websites.

We told how Gay uses wool to insulate her home, a wood-burning stove to heat it, and even swims in a rainwater-filled pool.

She has since appeared on the BBC's news, South Today and Southern Counties Radio, as well as in a host of national newspapers.

Celebrity

And the 64-year-old told the Herald she had also received attention closer to home, as well as from the press.

"It's really quite funny," said Gay. "Since the article came out, I've been accosted by every man in Steyning.

"My children were a bit shocked by the photo, but everyone else thought it was quite funny.

"It was just an explosion on the Friday (June 27). I was hardly off the phone. I don't know how real celebrities cope."

Television

The media storm is showing no signs of slowing, either, with Gay due to appear on The Money Programme in a Daily Mail weekend supplement next month.

She has also been approached by talkback-Thames, which produces The Apprentice and The X-Factor.

Gay has decided to use her new-found fame to become the face of the Life Education Centre (LEC) in Sussex.

She said: "It's about teaching young people life-skills and seemed like a good direction to put my little bit of fame towards."

Teaching

LEC involves teaching younger children about diet and health, peer relationships and bullying, through to issues around drugs and how to handle money as they get older.

"A lot of young people don't realise the value of money.

"They don't realise that a PlayStation is a couple of weeks' wages," said Gay.

"They're not getting what they think they need, but those things are actually pretty worthless.

"After all, getting the right pair of trainers isn't that important."

Lifestyle

Hilary Stirling, national director of the LEC and a trustee of LEC in Sussex, worked with Gay as a special educator, and believes her healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle is a good example to the children.

Hilary said: "We give children the skills to manage their complicated lives.

"For the younger children, we talk about knowing when to rest and getting enough exercise, and we educate the older children about the effects of alcohol, drugs and smoking on their bodies.

"We also teach the children through role play a set of skills that they can use if they're approached by a bully or encounter peer pressure."

The LEC in Sussex is organising a picnic on Wednesday, July 16, at six schools across Shoreham to raise awareness of the importance of healthy living.


-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing news.

Click here to go back to Shoreham news.

Click here to return to Gazette news.

Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here.

Email the Herald: letters@worthingherald.co.uk