Hello everyone,
As we enter 2026 and I have some exciting news to share …
I’m genuinely delighted and incredibly honoured to announce that I’ve accepted the volunteer as the new President of Blackpool Scouts.
This means a great deal to me, because Blackpool isn’t just where I’m from, it’s home. It’s the town that shaped me, challenged me, and gave me my first sense of adventure and belonging. It is also where most of my family still live good as well as my favourite football team, the mighty Seasiders!
I’ve been fortunate over the years to volunteer on community impact projects all over the world, particularly on the Horn of Africa, supporting remote communities and young people through access to education and opportunity. I don’t talk about it often, but I was deeply humbled to be appointed an MBE three years ago in His Majesty’s first Honours List, following a recommendation from the Foreign Office. That recognition was never about me — it reflected the impact of teamwork and community-led change.
On a national level, for over eight years I’ve also had the privilege of serving as the UK National Ambassador for Army Cadets. It’s one of my proudest and most important roles and one I will certainly continue with, and I’m super grateful for their full support in me also helping Blackpool Scouts. At heart, both organisations exist for the same reason — to give young people confidence, skills for life, and belief in themselves to go on and become positive, respectable upstanding citizens within society.
What really drives me right now is making a difference locally. Too often, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast appears in the news for all the wrong reasons. But what I see is huge potential — incredible young people who just need opportunity, encouragement, and safe spaces to grow.
That’s why we’re launching an exciting project to build a new youth and community centre here in Blackpool — a place where young people can learn, belong, and thrive together .
So here’s my call to action.
👉 To local businesses across Blackpool and the Fylde:
If you’re looking to invest in your community in a meaningful, lasting way, we would love to work with you. Your support — whether through funding, skills, materials, or mentorship — can help create something that will change young lives for generations in Blackpool.
👉 And to potential volunteers:
Both Scouts and Cadet Forces here in Blackpool and wider Lancashire of course are always looking for people who care. You don’t need to be an expert — just someone willing to give a little time and belief. The impact you can have is far greater than you might imagine.
Together, we can change the narrative.
Together, we can unlock potential.
Let’s be the difference that makes a difference.
Thank you!
