I am a 49-year-old Industrial Water Treatment Consultant, working for a Global Water Technologies company. I live in Sedgefield, County Durham and I have been married to Pauline, a Medical Secretary, for over 25 years. We have two boys, Adam – a 21-year-old University Student studying Chemical Engineering and Matthew, 17, currently studying at Durham 6th Form College.
I was born in an East Durham mining village; my father was a long-distance Haulage driver, and my mother raised 4 children.
Having completed secondary school in Durham, I left the area to join the Royal Navy. I continued my further education at the Royal Naval School of Engineering and joined the Royal Navy Submarine fleet as an Engineering Artificer.
After 15 years’ service, and following the birth of my first son, I decided to leave the Royal Navy having achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
My family and I moved back to County Durham in 2003 and I established a new career in water treatment.
Family and my local community have always been important to me, and I have taken every opportunity available to become involved for the mutual benefit of both.
I have been a school governor at a local primary school, I have also coached and managed grassroots football teams for over 15 years, I have been a treasurer of a local football club and I am currently a board member of Northern League club, Durham City AFC
The recent pandemic and lockdowns have highlighted some local issues such as littering and anti-social behaviour, However, it has also highlighted the importance of a strong local community and local services. Becoming a Councillor enables me to further assist our local community to develop solutions to fix these issues and to further improve the services provided for our area.