I was born in Burnham Nursing home in 1959 and have lived in the Maldon & Chelmsford area all my life. I worked on my families Holiday Park in St Lawrence from 1980 until we sold it in 2023. It was started by my grandfather in 1948 when he left the RAF as a catering officer. From the park he started the local RNLI housing a Class D small rib which he and a couple of other local men ran until the larger base was created at Bradwell Marina. My father’s family the Duces have always been in the Burnham area. My mother was a director and lady captain of the Burnham Golf Club twice and helped with its expansion into an 18-hole course.
I sailed in my teens at The Burnham sailing club with my father in the local Squib fleet, and was vice captain of the RB cadets in the 70's. My son was an Otter at the RCYC, and I helped with the rescue boat for his racing. I also played rugby for Burnham and South Woodham. I was married for 36 years until my wife passed way in 2024.
I am a member of the house committee for Hamilton Court a managed senior living complex in South Woodham. I have been a sponsor and judge for the Pride of Essex Awards for the past 10 years, this year I took part in fundraising for St Luke's Hospice's "Strictly St Luke's" competition which raised over £50,000.
I have been a past Chairman of the Association and Deputy Chairman Fundraising, whilst in that role we had Lord Coe and Baroness Brady attend dinners. I was also one of the organisers of the Patrons club which had many dinners in London with ministerial speakers.