I am originally from Belfast and I worked as an electrician before becoming a teacher. I am now retired, but I was a maths teacher for 30 years after acquiring a degree from the Open University and PGCE from Wolverhampton University. I have been married for 52 years and my wife was a nurse, working in local hospitals and GP surgeries. Both my children attended Catholic schools in Stafford and have gone on to become teachers themselves. I am a practising Catholic and attend church in Stafford regularly, where I also serve as a Eucharistic minister. I am also a foundation governor of a Catholic primary school in Stafford, which I have served for the last 30 years, 27 of which have been as Chair of Governors. I enjoy being involved with Catholic schools as I value the importance of their work and I am committed to helping them secure their future and find their own excellence.