John, who went blind at the age of 19, retired in April 2015 shortly after receiving an MBE for services to diversity and equality. He has been a great asset to the academy programme in the east and west midlands. He has talked to delegates about his experiences and how, through encouragement, he has moved from being an audio typist to a highly acclaimed speaker (he's also written a book). Using a combination of humour, inspiring and motivating stories, John has, for the last 10 years, been delivering talks to civil servants, encouraging them to take control of their own lives and careers. We at Civil Service Local would like to thank him for his support and wish him well in his retirement.
If you have met John you may find it difficult to believe he has retired, well he hasn't, he has in fact started a new career, joining the external market for inspirational and motivational speakers. We wish you good luck and success in your new venture John.