I was born in Akrotiri, Cyprus as the youngest child in a family of 4 children, but moved to England at the age of 5.
I lived in Shrewsbury, England with my parents until I left home to go to university, where I studied for a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Education at Loughbourough University of Technology. I developed a lifelong love of learning which led to a M.A. in Education through the Open University, a M.Sc. in Computer Enhanced Mathematics Education at Napier University and a B.A. in Theology and Religion at Oxford Brookes University. and a Law Degree at Nottingham Trent University. I am now enrolled on a Doctorate of Education course, also with Nottingham Trent.
I became a Christian at the age of 14 and my faith remains an important part of my life today.
I met my wife, Shanhong, whilst teaching in Shanghai - and we were married 'officially' in China in 2006 - but more conventionally in a ceremony before family and friends in Chiang Mai, Thailand in July 2007.
We do not have children but 'Teddy' acts as a first-born son!