Originally I studied a Microbiology Degree and then worked as a Chemist for an international chemical firm based in London. Following a government recruitment drive for Science Teachers, I returned to studies to enable me to move into education, completing an Honours degree, majoring in Psychology. I hoped to be able to do something truly worthwhile: inspiring the next generation of scientists. After 15 years as a science teacher and then head of a large Science Department, I moved into school Leadership and specialised in young adults with learning and/or behavioral challenges. After 30 years in the sector, I semi-retired and moved to Spain where I have been lucky enough to do some teaching and consultancy work.

I am proud and honored to have had a successful career in education. It is immensely rewarding to help young people develop life and learning skills. My philosophy has always been to enthuse students with a love of learning; to encourage hard work and resilience, but to enjoy studying and pursue extra-curricular activities in order to broaden their horizons. For me, sports have always been a significant part of my life: football, squash, windsurfing (which is my passion), and snowboarding once the kids were old enough to get on the slopes. During 30 years in the education sector, working in what would be considered “Challenging” schools and Academies, pursuing sports was my release and provided perspective. This and a rich and wonderful family life. I have been happily married for 35 years, with two grown-up children and two grandsons.

Both my parents have passed away, but we were fortunate enough to have them around when the children were young and they could enjoy spoiling them. This was a golden period of our family life. The loss of mum suddenly at the age of 70, left my dad needing a lot of help from my wife and me. He had already been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and the sudden loss of mum accelerated his condition.

Fortunately, he lived only 20 meters away and for a number of years, we were able to support him in his own home, albeit with some modifications to his house and additional aids such as a mobility scooter. As his condition worsened it was clear that dad needed more support than we could offer. He wanted to stay in his own home and I was adamant that a Care Home was not for him. We began using a care agency to provide “drop-in care”: basically to make sure that during the working day, dad was fed and helped to the bathroom, without any accidents. The evenings he spent with us at our house, or we would be with him at his. As his mobility worsened, I became concerned about the hours between care visits and us, dad would in all likelihood be stuck in his chair in front of the telly.

At this point I began researching live-in care packages: someone to befriend dad and help him to live a full and active life when we were at work. After numerous interviews and trials, I found a local lady and daughter team, who would provide 24-hour care for dad. They remained supporting dad until he passed, just over 10 years after we lost mum. I have to say they were wonderful! We got to know them as friends as did dad. He had his independence and dignity back and was able to get out and about during the day.

I now support Vita Cura in their ambition to bring about this kind of scenario for other families. My qualifications (I have a Post Graduate in supporting people with significant learning difficulties) and personal experiences allow me to advise on care packages for vulnerable people, particularly young adults with complex needs.