I was born in 1961 at Rochford hospital in Southend on Sea in Essex. In December 1980, I joined the Army and went in the Royal Signals. A few years later in 1982, I got married. I served for twelve years before being made redundant in 1992.

Upon leaving the Army, I went through a divorce and I was homeless with no work for a while. However, I found some agency work, driving for Symphony Kitchens. I was with my current wife at the time, and I found it hard to adjust into civvie life.

I’ve had various jobs, I joined the Air Cadets in 2011 as a uniformed instructor, and still serving. I joined so I could teach some life skills to the young kids, but now I’ve settled into Woody’s Lodge as an Assistant Support Officer in North Wales. I am doing work I like doing and that’s helping people and children getting the help they need.