I was born in Nairobi, lived in Pangani and went to Juja Road Primary School and then Eastleigh Secondary School. I left for the UK in 1964 and studied for my A Levels at Barnstable College in North Devon.

In October 1967 I joined Her Majesty's Armed Forces. After initial gruelling training in the UK, I left for Germany to join my first unit. I had an interesting and diverse career spanning 27 years. In this period I had numerous postings far and wide, including active service and operational tours. I spent 6 months in the northern Kenyan bush as a part of Royal Engineers. As a sportsman I played various sports for the Regiments - hockey, football and mostly long distance running. I have completed many half and full marathons mostly in Germany. Adventure training was part and parcel of my army life. I climbed Mount Kenya as a part of my training with the army.

After retiring from regular army I was invited to join the Territorial Army, in which I am still serving to date. I also work full time with Inchbald School of Design in central London.

I am married to Anis and we have one daughter Noreen who is a successful television news producer.

- As of October 2006