How did your time at Hymers prepare you for your life after school and university; has it impacted where you are today?

Hymers gave me massive knowledge, amazing challenges and lifelong friendships with some truly amazing people. The academic learning at Hymers is just one strand of the growth you’re given. Learning about yourself, your strengths and your development areas - be they academic or outside of lessons - helps you to truly grow and the support around you to do exactly that is off the scale! Chris Fitzpatrick did me the honour of putting me in the Z team for Rugby given my appalling levels of skill and indeed interest in Rugby. I recently saw him and had to thank him for that ‘gift’ – fire in my belly from a young age, I reckon. You’re forgiven, Fitzy.

Why did you decide to leave a legacy gift to Hymers College?  

My mum and dad (Beryl and Malcolm) made many sacrifices to enable me to get to Hymers. Leaving a legacy was a simple decision for me. If I can somehow repay that gift, I am doing the right thing.

What would you tell anyone thinking of leaving a legacy gift to the school?

I would encourage everyone to reflect on what Hymers has given them through their life up until now, and what it will give in their years ahead. This gives each of us the chance to truly make a mark on a young person’s life chances when we’re gone.

What difference do you hope your gift will make?

I hope that my gift will give someone the springboard they need to become the person they’re destined to be.