- How did you get into fundraising?
By chance. Over twenty years ago I saw an ad in the paper saying: “Would suit a graduate seeking a career change”. It turned out to be a disability charity looking to train up someone with transferable skills to be a Trusts Fundraiser . I got the job and was mentored for a year by a very dynamic and talented young Director.
- What do you see as our sector’s biggest opportunities?
To regain public trust in charities, and to take full advantage of developing technology
- If money was no object, what issue would you solve for fundraising? How?
Create the definitive, user-friendly, go-to’ database of UK trusts. (‘Designed by trust fundraisers, for trust fundraisers!’)
- When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A professional sportsman! (Football, golf, tennis – would’ve taken any! Got closest with golf but not close enough!)
- What motivates you?
Positive communication with others, learning new things, making the most of each day.
- What are your non-work habits that help you with your work-life balance?
Running, reading, writing (fiction and poetry) and socialising
- If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Everyone you meet has something to teach you, so keep your eyes and ears open
- Tell us something surprising about yourself:
A few years ago I ran ten marathons in ten days as a fundraising challenge. Yes, it was nuts and it hurt (!) but the funds raised made it more than worthwhile.