SOMETHING STRANGE has happened to me since the boys were born - I now throw my head in my hands at the thoughts of flying. There was a time when I would have happily glided over the Gobi Desert, marvelling at the colours of day as they blended into night; thoughts of imminent doom the furthest things from my mind.

I used to keep the window shade up before landing, savouring the sensations as we descended, scanning the ocean below for the surfacing back of some colossal creature of the sea. But all that has changed. Now I dread the thoughts of a 35minute flight across the international waters: being on cloud nine is about as close to the sun as I like to get.

It hasn't stopped me travelling by air, however, as I am aware of the impact refusing to fly can have on relationships and in some cases, career aspirations. Last year, the good woman and I were due to catch an early morning flight to mainland Europe, and I sat having a pint with a friend the night before, sharing my reservations with him.

We both agreed that we knew more people taken on the country's roads, than those involved in air crashes. When he asked me if I knew anyone that had been killed by a donkey falling from the sky, I realised it was time to change the topic of conversation.

Therein lies the problem for a lot of people - others find the fear of flying (aviophobia for those that like big words) irrational. Statistics prove it is the safest form of travelling. If this is true, then why do one in three of us think the worst, every time we board a plane? I suppose it comes down to the survival rate if disaster strikes: it's very slim.

There are many examples of famous people with aversions to air travel. Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, Dennis Bergkamp, Britney Spears, Mr. T and Colin Farrell are just some. The problem heightens when as a musician you have international touring to do, or for actors, required to globe-trot to promote their latest film. The story of the tragic Ritchie Valens is well documented. For the 17 years he was on the planet, he suffered with recurring nightmares of plane disasters and perished alongside Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and pilot Roger Peterson when their plane crashed on February 3, 1959 - 53 years ago this week.

I read an article recently where Aer Lingus is offering a series of courses to help people overcome aviophobia. There is even a 10-week course where graduates get to take a 30-minute flight across the country to celebrate conquering their fear. It's an option, and one I might look into, should this 'condition of the mind' worsen. Otherwise, the good woman will soon tire of summer holidays spent in Irish caravans, when the world's hotspots has all that sunshine waiting to be splashed all over our pasty faces.

COMES DOWN TO A PAIR OF SOCKS

It may be mere coincidence but every time the young lad has worn his Spurs socks this season, the team has avoided defeat. Last week, however, they suffered a loss to titlehunting Manchester City, and the young lad wasn't around during the game.

He arrived home afterwards and asked about the result. When I told him they had lost, he had an answer immediately. 'I went swimming,' he told me, and the good woman had naturally insisted he take off his socks. For the duration of the game, he was barefooted.

Normal service resumed during the FA Cup victory over Watford last Friday night - fingers crossed they have enough magic to help the team make it all the way to Wembley.

MARATHON INVITATION

During the week, I received a very nice invitation from Jennifer Malone of the Newry City Marathon committee inviting me to take part in the big event, which happens on Sunday June 3, 2012.

Looking at the amount of progress I am making on the road-distance front, I imagine I would be doing well to put one leg in front of the other for 26 minutes, rather than miles, by the time the summer comes around. However, it was nice to be asked.

For those of you with serious stamina and fancy going the extra 26 miles, check out www.newrycitymarathon. for further details.

- SHEA TOMKINS