Before beginning my journey towards ordination, I spent many years working as a stockbroker and financial planner. In 2022, I retired after sensing that God was calling me to leave Nottingham and move to Suffolk. At the time, I had no clear understanding of what that call would lead to, but I felt compelled to follow it. After arriving in Suffolk, I became involved in my local church, serving as Parish Safeguarding Officer and becoming a trustee of Lightwave.
I grew up in a church-going family, was baptised and confirmed, and attended church schools throughout my education. However, after confirmation, I found myself questioning my faith, I felt the need to explore other belief systems. Through prayer ministry and spiritual support, I was able to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.
Alongside my spiritual journey, I built a successful professional career and became heavily involved in one of the UK's professional financial services bodies, served as a professional examiner and presented a weekly finance programme on BBC Radio Nottingham. At the same time, my Christian faith found practical expression through ministry. I became involved in pastoral work, prison ministry and Nottingham's "Soup Run", taking food and clothing to people experiencing homelessness.
A defining moment in my life came unexpectedly when I suffered a brain haemorrhage followed by a stroke. This was a life changing experience and the months that followed were extremely challenging. Thanks to excellent medical care, physiotherapy, support from family and friends, and what I firmly believe was God's intervention, I made a remarkable recovery. Although I still experience some weakness in my left arm and leg, I regained much of what had been lost.
During those long periods of recovery, I devoted more time to prayer. I invited people to send me prayer requests and committed myself to praying for others. In those quiet months, I discovered a deeper relationship with God than I had ever known before.
My priorities began to change. Rather than simply speaking to God, I learned to listen.
Not long afterwards, I enrolled on a course to become a spiritual director and eventually I felt called to ordained ministry.
The Elizabeth Pathway was the perfect route for me. As a mature candidate, I was looking for a programme that allowed me to combine theological study with existing commitments and responsibilities. The part-time structure provided exactly that balance.
One of the most valuable aspects of the Elizabeth Pathway has been how it has deepened my understanding of Scripture, it has encouraged me to approach the Bible with greater curiosity, exploring not only the text itself but also its historical, cultural and theological contexts. This has significantly enriched both my personal faith and my preaching. It has also reinforced an important truth: learning does not end at ordination. Ministry is a lifelong journey of formation, growth and discovery.
Today I serve as a Curate in the North Suffolk Benefice. I currently assist the resident priest in leading worship and supporting church life across the benefice. As my ministry develops, I hope to expand my involvement in pastoral visiting, community engagement and hospital chaplaincy placements.