Trustees

I met Andrew at the age of ten when I joined St Peter’s School York. I recognised him from playing rugby for Harrogate when I played at York. Andrew played fly half at school and we had very contrasting styles and temperaments which complemented each other. We became great friends on and off the pitch and he has been a constant throughout my life. Andy is a major in the army and has served on two tours of duty.

I first came across Robbie on the rugby pitch playing for St Peter’s against Prince Henry’s Otley. He was the most competitive players I ever played against and he was a top player to back it up. He was a better schoolboy player than someone like Lee Dickson who went on to play for Northampton and England. The Prince Henry’s team were fitter stronger faster and had more grit than the Peter’s lads. I went on to join Otley rugby club and play with and alongside Robbie. We have kept in touch and particularly since I went public with my diagnosis he has been very supportive in the same combative manner he showed on the rugby pitch.

I first came across James when I played for St Peter’s against Hymers in some fantastic battles. We then went on to represent Yorkshire together at age grade before playing for Hull Ionians for 2 years. He had a massive right boot and was a good ball player as well as being a great teammate. I have been lucky to keep in contact with James over the years and I am delighted that he has agreed to join me on a charity walk.

Chuckie as he is known played rugby with me at fly half for Malton & Norton. He was a young student at the time but is now retired from rugby having played at Ilkley for several seasons. He always listened and was a good team player. He has been a great friend ever since and even turned out for York Wanderers Cricket Club with me. I was also made up when he and his brother came to visit me in hospital in August 2023.

I met Mark through York Postal Harriers running club. We used to meet at my local then head out for training and we both enjoyed a beer after. Mark also has a shared passion for sailing and has been over to Windermere with me a few times. He is one of the kindest people I know and a great Dad to his daughter. We both work for ourselves and have a similar outlook on life. I was hugely impressed by Mark’s previous career working in Monte Carlo on Superyachts not dwelling on the downturn in the finance market and using this as a springboard to future business interests.