Robert had a long career in the motor trade, before deciding on a change and taking up a childhood dream to farm sheep and pigs, which he described as hard work but, also fulfilling and rewarding. In 2017, he took early retirement in order to care for his son who had been diagnosed with metastatic cancer. This catapulted him into close contact with a broad range of healthcare services and healthcare practitioners in the local region and, Oxford University Healthcare Trust who were responsible for his son’s treatment.

Although this has been a difficult few years, the experience prompted him to ‘put something back’ and in 2020 with his son’s health improving, Robert joined South Central Ambulance Service as an Ambulance Care Assistant. This role was pivotal in supporting Robert to overcome the stresses and issues that come from being a carer and his own personal journey with cancer. To know he is making a positive impact on the lives of the service users he cares for is important to him. In the short time with SCAS, he has made a positive impact and has received multiple commendations for outstanding care, which is a testament to the passion he has for compassionate care delivery.

Robert has been involved with BNU since 2014 and has provided support to the ODP and nursing programmes during a range of activities to include curriculum development, recruitment and simulation. He is keen to offer his insight and experience to support the development of the next generation of healthcare staff during their education.