While social media is awash with Christmas decorations as the country prepares to celebrate the holidays, Shirlie Kemp, 62, has already begun laying out her home plans with her husband Martin, 63, for the new year. Given their shared love for gardening, she hopes to spend more time than ever outside as the weather warms up. Recently, she expressed her excitement for spring with the message: "So looking forward to sitting here in the spring" as she showcased her garden's transformation.
The short clip highlighted their patio area, which features a newly erected wooden pergola and mini stepping stones leading through pebbles to where they intend to place their outdoor furniture. Surrounding the area are raised flower beds ready for planting homegrown fruits and vegetables. It’s clear the couple aims to create not just aesthetics but also utility, including relaxation spots, emphasized by the small firepit for evenings outdoors with their two children, Roman and Harley Moon.
Since purchasing their beautiful Victorian home in 2021, Martin and Shirlie have devoted themselves to bringing their vision to life and regularly document their progress on their home-focused Instagram account, @maisionnumber9. Over the past years, they have undertaken various transformations, including improving the pathway to their second cottage and innovatively repurposing an unloved outhouse dubbed 'Piglet' for creative uses. Yet, not every project has been successful. Shirlie lamented the failure to restore their "derelict" greenhouse, calling it "the one thing I wasn't able to tick off the list!" due to its unfortunate positioning close to trees. "There’s always things you wish you had done differently," she added, conveying her sentiments to her followers.
Shirlie also offered insight on their motivation to leave their previous home, where she noted, "We took an old house... and we rebuilt something perfect for us." This allowed them to fulfill their ultimate dream of creating the perfect dwelling from scratch, almost like poets with their blank pages—the future here shines bright.
Beyond their exciting projects, Martin and Shirlie have recently opened up about their unexpected struggle with tinnitus. This widely prevalent condition, affecting over 7 million individuals across the UK, has caused them both considerable distress as they reflect on their musical careers shaped by attending loud concerts during the energetic '80s. They now recognize how their time spent close to speakers during live shows may have directly contributed to their auditory challenges. Martin shared about his tinnitus, which manifests primarily as discomfort in his left ear, rooted from years of guitar playing with amplifiers directed right at him. He recalls having the youthful mindset of increasing music volume, unaware of the long-term impacts this would have on his hearing.
Shirlie poignantly described her introduction to tinnitus, likening it to living with the relentless noise of "a persistent generator." To cope, she has turned to meditation, acknowledging its benefits as she navigates this constant challenge. Martin humorously noted how their experiences with hearing issues intertwine, creating shared moments through their difficulties. This duo’s struggles provide insight not merely along the lines of living with tinnitus, but also reflect the nature of adaptation through shared support.
Health experts note the high relevance of factors such as exposure to loud music, stress, and underlying medical conditions, which can exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Shirlie and Martin’s experiences exemplify these triggers firsthand. Common advice suggests avoiding loud environments, utilizing sound therapy or noise masking, and engaging with mindfulness practices like yoga to reduce stress levels.
To navigate this condition, they have opted for practical measures. For example, connection with support groups allows them to share and learn from others who are experiencing similar challenges, fostering community and exchange of coping strategies.
Awareness is the key; as Shirlie and Martin candidly address their challenges, the couple helps bring light to this often overshadowed disorder. This raised profile of tinnitus potentially leads to improved preventive strategies among the general populace, as well as greater research aimed at enhancing treatment options. Fresh developments within the tinnitus management market indicate promising opportunities for advancements—particularly related to sound therapies and innovative apps aimed at managing symptoms.
The Kempt's outspokenness encourages more discussions around tinnitus, highlighting not only their personal appreciation for overcoming daily obstacles but also advocating for greater public knowledge around this intriguing health topic. Shining as household names through their illustrious careers, they now embody resilience on both home fronts and psychological battles with their hearing conditions.
