Biography

Derek Ogilvie is 44 and has been a professional medium and baby telepathist for 9 years. Derek always knew, even as a young child, that he was different but didn't start to fully recognise it until his life fell apart in early January 2000. With 14 years as a successful businessman under his belt Derek suddenly and unexpectedly went bankrupt after his bar and club business failed. 'I always knew that I was different from other children especially the kids in my class at school and with those who I played with, but it wasn't until our next door neighbour died, when I was 9, that I realised what that difference was.

I wasn't scared when I saw dead people. I was just more upset by the fact that I knew that I couldn't tell anyone about it because I didn't want to appear strange. I was also very conscious even at that early age of proof and knew, as my connection with that particular spirit was not strong, how I would be unable to supply a strong validation of my experience to those who would question me about what I claimed to see. I also just wanted to fit in with everyone at school and with my family and friends which I guess is just what any normal nine year old tries to do. It wasn't until I started writing in 2005, when I took time out to look back over my life, that I realised how much I'd suppressed those feelings over the years."

Through his work Derek has brought a great deal of hope and closure to those who have lost someone dear to them or to parents who have a troubled youngster. "It's an amazing feeling giving a family group or an individual an important message from someone close who has passed away or information that allows a parent to help their son or daughter. I have startled myself on quite a few occasions by the accuracy of a reading, or what images have been shown to me by a child or those who have crossed over into the spirit world. It blows my mind when I can bring through clear and precise information, especially details I could have had no involvement with or know absolutely nothing about. It can also be humbling for all of the parties involved when a message, that may seem so insignificant to me, means so much to those who are on the receiving end of it."

Derek actually noticed, by accident, that he could communicate with babies and young children. "It was as much of a surprise to me as it was to the mother who had invited me to her home in anticipation of a message from the spirit world. I knew immediately when I met with her and her little girl that something strange was going on especially when I suddenly realised that I could tell the mother what her 2 year old daughter was thinking. Since that day in January 2001 I've never stopped talking to children telepathically and through doing so help them to solve their problems."

Derek's work with children does have it's limitations though. "I have noticed over the years that it's sometimes easier for me to communicate with a child who has not yet started speaking or maybe just says the odd word. Children who are older and talking fluently are sometimes a little more difficult to connect with telepathically. This makes sense because those children are at the point in their life when they can actually verbally communicate with their parents and tell their mum and dad what's bothering them."

Derek's TV series's based around his work as a medium and child telepathist have opened a window of understanding to families all over Europe and given much support to those mums and dads who have appeared on the show as well as the millions watching at home. "I love what I do especially helping those who have lost a loved one and are now looking for some reassurance and closure from the spirit world. I also enjoy working on my other TV formats based around families who have issues with their children. It's amazing how I have been able to turn around parents' lives literally within a few minutes of connecting with their son or daughter. For me it's about getting to the root of a problem quickly. When I begin communicating telepathically with a child I obviously try and initially ask what's bothering them and hopefully those issues are relayed to me throughout the time I spend with the child with strong validations and detail. Sometimes a meeting can be over in a few minutes although more than likely it may last for up to an hour especially if the child has many problems or has a great deal to tell me! The changes that can occur in these children's lives and those of their families, after these meetings, have to be seen to be believed. This may also be the first time that a child has been able to fully communicate with their parents.

I always say that the proof of the pudding is in the eating so it gives my work great credibility when, within an hour or so of working with me, we see a successful turn around within a family. I always keep my feet firmly on the ground even after a successful meeting. What I do is not about me or my ego. It's all about the connection and validation. I am only as good as the messages that are given from those who have passed away in the spirit world who wish to make contact with their loved ones on this earth or from a child who needs help. Not every reading will run smoothly. Not every child or spirit will 'speak' to me. It's important to remember that I'm never in control. That's up to the child or loved one who has passed away. I may look foolish when nothing comes through and I can't help a family or individual but I am genuine and true so would never dream of making things up just to appease or to make someone feel good."

Many children with special needs are brought to Derek's attention. "I've had amazing success with autistic children and those who have speech or learning difficulties. On these special occasions many children have been able to communicate with their parents for the first time in their lives." Things haven't been easy for Derek since those dark days 9 years ago but he is now much happier and content with what life has to offer "Looking back I now see why I had to go through what I did in my life. It's obviously a cliche to say it but it has brought me to where I now am. I honestly wouldn't change anything. I have made mistakes along the way but I've learnt from them and in doing so they have given me a better understanding of the issues that other people may have in their own lives and a greater in depth knowledge to help them deal with their problems.
At the end of the day I just do what I do and I do it to the best of my ability. To some no amount of proof will ever be enough although I have learnt a deal about my work and how to improve by looking at it from a skeptical point of view. For me proof is everything. That's why I am always conscious about and focused on strong validations, accurate detail and most importantly the truth."

Derek who lives in Cyprus now realises the important things in life. "I used to have a complete misunderstanding of what life was all about. I never want to live through that hell again or have anything like the mind set I used to have." Although Derek looks forward to performing on his critically acclaimed TV shows and live theatre tours he also likes the quiet life and enjoys nothing more than walking along the beach near his home. "If someone had said to me ten years ago that I would be doing what I'm doing now then I would have told them that they were crazy! Having my own TV series, performing live on stage and writing books has shown me that good things can come out of difficult situations. It's been a complete turnaround for me. It's amazing how life unfolds. Especially when we least expect it."

And what about the future? "My main aim is to be the best I can be. To try and live in the now, to stop projecting and to be true to myself. I'm embracing being authentic in all areas of life. It may sound strange but I am passionate about it. Hopefully these beliefs will help me to develop my spiritual growth and all aspects of my work. For the first time in my life I can honestly say that I'm happy and content and I thank God for the small mercies that he has given me."