Meet Valerie King from Preston/Blackpool who moved to LA 33 years ago ‘to pursue adventure and a decent life’ and now works on the Board of Directors for Malibu Global Awareness, a small Charity that raises money for Doctors Without Borders and individuals like a local young woman fighting breast cancer at age 27. I’m happy to report she is doing very well after fighting a rare form of cancer.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I loved watching old glamorous Hollywood movies and wanted to see first-hand what kind of life it was. I always wished I had gone to an American High School. It seemed more romantic … I think that I may have seen Grease too many times! The sun, sand and the palm trees too.
What one thing do you miss from home?
Steak puddings and that wicked northern sense of humor. My American friend was horrified when my friend’s dad asked if I still took my ugly pills when he picked us up from the airport.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus the UK?
Remember I moved here along time ago. Leaving behind miners’ strikes, filling in UB40 forms and not seeing much future. Since then things have changed in UK. I wanted to work and having the chance to I took it. There was more opportunity to try. Thank you Ronald Reagan for giving me a green card!
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
Pearl Dragon on Sunset. Sushi and Californian cuisine. My local! It has great food and a fun atmosphere with a good mix of people and families.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
It’s a lot harder now. First come on holiday and look around and see if it’s really the place for you. If it’s your dream….live it and take that risk. I still pinch myself that this girl from a Council estate lives here in California. I am also proud to say that this year is our 10th anniversary at Malibu Global Awareness (MGA) and we have raised nearly four million dollars. I have worked several other jobs, one as human resources for a major department store. My husband’s career took off so I was lucky to be able to stay home, raise our two daughters and become involved in MGA.
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