Mark joined the Royal Air Force in 1970, and was first posted to Bawdsey in Suffolk where he became an Aerospace Systems Operator, which involved many aspects of policing the integrity of the UK airspace during the Cold War. He also served in Scotland and then at Whitehall in London, (where commuting by tube every day was not the most pleasant experience!) After London, he was very happy to return to Suffolk. By now he was married and had much fun in Suffolk, enjoying the countryside and birdwatching.
Next on the agenda was Cumbria, what a beautiful county! It was there that Mark learned to play Golf high up on the fells in the pouring rain, must be mad, but it was great fun.
Following Cumbria, Mark spent three years in Berlin. Berlin at the time was the showcase of western capitalism facing communism over the wall in the east. Sadly Mark’s time in Berlin came to an end and his next stop, and last tour with the Royal Air Force, was at Neatishead in Norfolk. His RAF career ended in December 1991 and he and his wife are now well settled in Norwich
As Mark’s forces training and experience was of little or no use to a civilian employer, Mark’s next problem was finding work. A friend at the time was District Occupational Therapist for Norfolk and arranged for Mark to visit some areas where he could observe the role of an Occupational Therapist. This wet Mark’s appetite for healthcare and he went on to complete a BTEC National Diploma in Science and Health Studies, followed by a Dip HE in Nursing Practice. He qualified in 1998 and has worked in Rehab and Palliative care, before finally coming to EPIC as a research nurse in 2007. He very much enjoys his role and has a special interest in research surrounding the eyes and diseases such as Glaucoma.
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