People may find it hard to believe, but even though I have lived as a Jedi for five years, I am actually not that bothered by Star Wars or science fiction. It just doesn’t do anything for me.

Before becoming a Jedi, I was a Zen Buddhist, but I was frustrated with the different precepts and mandates that came with the religion. I researched other religions online and came across the Djedi of ancient Egypt, which inspired the Jedi in Star Wars.

Jediism has no Ten Commandments or holy texts. We have only three basic laws: the cycle of knowledge, wisdom and compassion. Through the application of knowledge we gain wisdom, and through wisdom we become compassionate. Why set a thousand rules when one principle is enough? I mean compassion.

I am specifically a Grey Jedi. All Jedi believe there is a force that creates everything. But unlike the Jedi and Sith, who see the force as light and dark (ie good and bad), the Grey Jedi see it simply as a natural force. It is how we use the force that dictates whether it is good or evil. In many ways, this concept shares a common theme with paganism.

I was born in Cheshire, but later in life, as a chef, I moved around the country a lot. About the time I started on the path to becoming a Jedi, I became too ill to work and decided to remain in Rhyl. I find it relaxing and the fresh air helps my illness. I now spend most days making my robes, and cosplayers – people who dress as fictional characters for special events – sometimes buy my old outfits.

When I first told friends and family that I was becoming a Jedi, they thought it was cool. But when I told them a year ago that I was going to wear the robes all the time and forsake all other clothes, a number found it strange. My girlfriend of six years left me, as she did not want to be seen in public with someone dressed like me. I had been happy with her, but I also had my faith to follow and if I lost that, I would no longer be who I am.

Some friends have stuck by me. One loves going out with me and we travel all over just so she can show me off. The reactions I get can be mixed, but children always ask if they can have their photo taken with me, and I’m happy to oblige. I find that the greatest reaction is from women over 50, who tell me they love the way I dress and the fact that I take great care with my appearance.

I have designed robes for different seasons, including warmer, waterproof ones for winter and cooler ones for summer. I choose to wear the robes as they reflect the origins of the Jedi, and I find them comfortable – they are less restrictive than jeans or a suit.

I recently went to my first science fiction convention and met fans and cosplayers who instantly accepted and understood me – although for me “cosplaying” would mean wearing jeans and a T-shirt, and not standing out. Sometimes I think that would be rather nice; I don’t do this for attention – it’s to keep me close to my faith.

I am 45 now and have accepted that I will probably remain single for the rest of my life, but I refuse to change who I am. If I did find someone who would be happy to live with me, I would not try to convert them to Jediism. That decision would have to come from them.

I have been surprised at how accepting the local authorities and police have been. It was their idea that I register my lightsaber as a religious item, allowing me to carry it with me at all times. At first I didn’t have one, but this often disappointed the children who asked me for photographs, so I relented. If I can bring a little happiness to others, then that makes me happy. After I meet people, I always say to them, “May the force for ever guide you.” It guides me, and it has changed my life for the better.

• As told to Peter Ray Allison

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