“I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” – Anna Kennedy Faces Her Fears in Essex
Words: Steven Smith
It could easily have been mistaken for a scene straight out of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! as screams, laughter, and nervous anticipation filled the air in Essex yesterday. But this was no television stunt. This was something far more meaningful — a deeply personal challenge undertaken by the remarkable Anna Kennedy OBE, a woman known for her relentless determination, boundless compassion, and tireless advocacy for the autism community.
This time, however, Anna was stepping far outside her comfort zone — not into a boardroom, a stage, or a campaign, but into a world of exotic creatures that have long sparked fear rather than fascination.
The challenge was set by long-time friend Nicky Rodrigues and her son Harry, who now both work at Living Things UK, an organisation renowned for its immersive and educational wildlife encounters.
A World of Wildlife — With a Purpose
Living Things UK is not your typical animal experience. Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of skilled animal handlers, welfare specialists, educators, and passionate wildlife advocates. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to bring people closer to nature in a way that is safe, educational, and deeply engaging.
Their enclosures are carefully designed to replicate natural habitats, ensuring each animal thrives in an environment suited to its needs. Over the past decade, they have built an impressive reputation, delivering unforgettable experiences across schools, SEN groups, hospitals, care homes, festivals, and corporate settings.
Ordinarily closed to the general public, Living Things made a special exception for this visit in support of autism awareness, aligning perfectly with the work of Anna Kennedy Online.
A Friendship Rooted in Advocacy
Nicky Rodrigues’ connection to Anna dates back to 2014, when she volunteered with Anna Kennedy Online as a Charity Champion covering Essex.
“I met so many incredible people during my time there,” Nicky recalls. “It was an experience that stayed with me. When Harry and I began working with these amazing animals, I knew I wanted to share that world with Anna — and perhaps help her face a few fears along the way.”
And what a journey it turned out to be.
Enter the Animals… and the Fear
Of course, no such adventure would be complete without a witness — or, as Anna jokingly put it, “support” — from 2Shades Magazine’s Steven Smith, who joined as a patron of Anna Kennedy Online.
“I am terrified,” Anna admitted at the outset, laughing nervously. It’s a rare confession from a woman often described as having “the tenacity of a Rottweiler with a bone” when it comes to achieving her goals. Yet when it comes to insects, reptiles, and the more unusual corners of the animal kingdom, Anna is refreshingly human.
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Harry, who led the experience, introduced Anna to an astonishing array of creatures. Among them were a Russian Horsfield tortoise, a leopard gecko, a bearded dragon, a frilled-neck lizard, and a striking blue iguana. The mammals proved equally captivating — a Madagascan lesser tenrec, a soft and gentle chinchilla, a playful sugar glider, and the ever-curious African meerkat.
Then came the creatures that would test Anna’s resolve to its limits: a cornsnake, a Chilean rose tarantula, an Asian forest scorpion, a giant African millipede, and the unmistakable Madagascan hissing cockroach.
And finally — a moment of calm, grace, and beauty — Juliet, the British barn owl, who would quickly become Anna’s favourite.
Harry’s Moment to Shine
Perhaps the most moving aspect of the day was watching Harry in action. Once non-verbal as a young child, he now confidently handled and introduced each animal with knowledge, care, and quiet authority.
For Nicky, it was an emotional moment.
“To see Harry like this today — confident, engaged, and sharing his passion — is just beautiful,” she said. “Moments like this remind you how far people can come with the right support and opportunities.”
It was a powerful reflection of everything Anna Kennedy Online stands for: inclusion, empowerment, and the celebration of individual potential.
Facing Fear, Finding Joy
As for Anna, she rose to the challenge with surprising courage.
“Honestly, I’m not saying I didn’t have a flush or two,” she laughed. “The tarantula was definitely a worry! But I absolutely adored the owl. And Harry taught me so much about the animals — things I never knew before.”
What began as a fear-filled experience transformed into something joyful, educational, and even uplifting. Anna handled animals she never imagined she would go near, let alone hold.
It was, in many ways, a metaphor for her life’s work: facing the unknown, challenging perceptions, and embracing growth.
A Legacy of Dedication
Anna Kennedy’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. Awarded an OBE for her services to the autism community, she has dedicated her life to improving opportunities and understanding for autistic individuals.
She has founded and developed some of Europe’s largest autism-specific schools, while also raising her two sons, Patrick and Angelo, both of whom are autistic. Her work continues to inspire families, educators, and advocates across the UK and beyond.
Her visit to Living Things was not just a personal challenge — it was a continuation of that mission. By stepping into an unfamiliar world, she demonstrated the importance of openness, learning, and breaking down barriers.
More Than an Experience
The visit, timed just ahead of World Autism Acceptance Day, was a celebration of inclusion in its truest form.
Together, Anna and Steven explored a world that many might shy away from, proving that with the right support — and a little bravery — anything is possible.
For Living Things UK, the day was equally meaningful.
“Moments like these remind us why we do what we do,” the team shared. “Creating inclusive, unforgettable experiences that bring people and nature together is at the heart of everything we believe
A Favourite Feathered Friend
Among all the creatures encountered, one stood out above the rest — Juliet the barn owl.
Elegant, calm, and quietly majestic, she provided a moment of serenity amidst the excitement. For Anna, it was love at first sight.
And perhaps that’s the lasting image of the day: a woman who has spent her life fighting for others, standing still for a moment, holding something beautiful, and discovering that even fear can give way to wonder.
Find out more:
Living Things UK: https://www.living-things.co.uk
Anna Kennedy Online: https://annakennedyonline.com
2Shades Magazine 