I was born in Nairobi, Kenya and educated at Park Road Primary and Eastleigh Secondary schools. I played cricket for the school first team, captaining the side in 1963 when we won the inter school cricket tournament. I really enjoyed my days at the ESS.

The two teachers that stand out the most in my memory are the late Mr Jones and the late Mr Hashmi. I really enjoyed doing H G Wells’ The History of Mr Polly and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar with Mr Jones. He was also our cricket coach. Mr Hashmi’s discipline and passion for teaching his subject and imparting his knowledge stood out for his students. Mr P A Patel, who was the master in charge of the cricket team, was also a great source of inspiration and encouragement.

1n 1967 I came to the United Kingdom and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1972. I became a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1979. I was a partner in a medium sized chartered accountants’ practice in the West End, London before retiring in March 2011. In June 2011, the Institute recognised my services to charities for the last 30 years and presented me with an ‘Everybody Counts’ Award.

I am married to Amtul Jamil and we have been blessed with four children, 3 daughters and a son. Ambreen graduated in Accounting and Management, Farah is a practising solicitor, Attia works for local government and our son Ezaz has recently graduated from Nottingham University.

- As of May 2017