I have been in business in Stalybridge for over 40 years, and lived in Mottram for 33 years. Through the local Rotary Club, I volunteered to join a steering group to look at the feasibility of Tameside & Glossop having its own Hospice – the rest is history, as they say.

We launched the appeal to raise £1.5m in 1993 and I served as the volunteer Fundraising Manager for the first 4 years. Following this, I concentrated on the design, construction and commissioning of Willow Wood. I am currently President of the Hospice.

I have a background in property development, which has proved useful in developing the Hospice and our many retail properties.