Shirlie Kemp recently shared a gripping story about her family’s near-miss during a planned trip back in 2004. Thanks to her son, Roman Kemp, they dodged a devastating disaster.
Roman Kemp’s Impactful Decision
The Kemp family originally intended to travel to Thailand in 2004. Shirlie, known for her role in Wham!, and her husband, Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet, were eager for a spiritual journey.
However, nine-year-old Roman had other ideas. He urged his family to go to the Bahamas instead for a chance to experience a thrilling water slide that passed through shark-infested waters. Ultimately, the family’s decision to follow Roman’s enthusiasm proved crucial.
Just months later, a catastrophic tsunami struck Thailand, resulting in around 200,000 casualties across 14 countries, including Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Shirlie reflected on the life-altering impact of Roman’s suggestion and expressed deep gratitude for heeding his advice.
The Risks of Family Adventures
The Kemp family’s travels have often been marked by high-stakes challenges. One notable incident occurred during a rally in Vietnam, where Shirlie and Martin faced a harrowing experience.
- Shirlie lost control of their vehicle, which flipped in a rice paddy.
- Martin was trapped inside and later hospitalized due to his injuries.
- Local workers came to their aid and transported him to a basic medical facility.
Martin has described the experience as terrifying, worried about his fingers while upside down in the vehicle. They attributed their mishap to a navigational error caused by Martin accidentally bumping the sat-nav.
Current Ventures of the Kemp Family
Today, the Kemp family continues to share their adventurous spirit. Martin is currently participating in ITV One’s “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” while Roman competes in “Celebrity Race Across the World” alongside his sister, Harleymoon Kemp. They are racing towards Honduras, keeping their family’s adventurous legacy alive.
Shirlie’s recollections highlight the unpredictability of travel and underscore how a single decision can shape lives. The Kemp family’s journey serves as a testament to their resilience and strong family bond, inspiring many as they navigate through life’s challenges.
