- What is your Business Name?
The Charity is called Epilepsy Research Institute UK.
- What does the business do and who are your customers?
Our mission statement is to radically advance research into Epilepsy and we facilitate research projects using epilepsy specialists. Also, the projects are shaped by people who are impacted by epilepsy to ensure the research that is being done is meaningful to the epilepsy community. Research is conducted through university hospitals and private companies and it’s all based in the UK.
- What’s the history of the business & what’s your role within the business?
We are just celebrating our one-year anniversary of becoming an Institute. We have two other founding charity partners, Young Epilepsy in East Grinstead and Epilepsy Action which is based in Bradford.
My role is to raise funds to ensure our research projects are funded. I am a Community and Challenge Events Fundraiser so concentrate on creating fundraising opportunities from events such as marathons, half marathons, skydives, cycle events…that sort of thing. In essence it is a sales, marketing and stewardship role.
- How long have you been a dedicated desk member and why were you looking for a space like Freshmill?
I think I have been here about two years – ever since I have been with the charity. When I found Freshmill I was looking to have a place near to home, free from domestic distractions, a dedicated place of work. I wanted a physical separation between work and home.
- Why does Freshmill work well for you and your business?
When you have a busy household with teenagers coming in and out all the time it is important to have the right headspace and working environment which Freshmill provides. And also the flexibility that Freshmill offers is brilliant. You can terminate your contract at very short notice. And I find the staff and management here to be very helpful with a ‘can do’ attitude as your needs may change.
- What is the most important lesson you have gained from your career so far?
For many people like me with a diagnosis, it’s easy to dwell on how unfair life can feel—the opportunities others have enjoyed that weren’t possible. But the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to focus on the positives and the blessings we do have, rather than the negatives. Life is what you make it.
- Where do you hope to be in 5 years time?
Work wise – I have no idea. I hope to benefit others whether that is within the charity sector or perhaps something more commercial.
Outside of work, I want to give back more to my community. I was shaped by generous people—youth leaders, coaches, scout leaders, and friends’ parents—who showed patience and kindness and had a real heart for young people. Their support made a huge difference in my life, and I’d love to pay that forward.
8. What advice would you give your younger self just starting out?
Be confident in your skill set. Be brave, be strong, be ambitious, and work hard. Work ethic is the foundation of everything that follows. Don’t rely on others for validation—you’ve got this. Stay diligent, stay focused, and success will follow.
9. What is your favourite quote/mantra?
So, it is what I have on my screen saver. It might be slightly vomit-inducing for some! “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I think that might be a Maya Angelou quote. I love her…!
10. If you could, who would you switch places with for the day, and why?
Wow, ask me tomorrow, and I’ll probably have a different answer!
Right now, I’d say Paul Whitehouse—a brilliant sense of humour and the dream job of travelling to the most stunning parts of the UK, fishing and hanging out with Bob, listening to his stories about DIY dentistry! And when I’m not doing that, I’d be sitting with my wife, hosting a podcast with fascinating guests. What’s not to like!?
Tomorrow, it might be a toss-up between Louis Theroux or Bear Grylls….