After a long and successful career in medical research as a Neuroendocrinologist , I decided to switch careers and try to do something that helped people with medical needs more immediately. As a Cumbrian by origin, I volunteered for the Lake District Calvert Trust and was blown away by the difference this charity makes to the lives of people with disabilities every day. I eventually became their Fundraising Manager. Without any formal training, I realised that successful fundraising is all about intuition, promotion, and common sense!After several successful fundraising & marketing years at the Lake District Calvert Trust I realised that I would like to do more for other worthy causes within the county. I went freelance, founding Cumbria Fundraising Consultancy and embarked on a mission to raise money for any Cumbrian charity. I was responsible for raising the grant-making trust finance (£0.5million) required to support the development of Carlisle Cathedral's Fratry project. Now established as a must-see part of the fabric of Carlisle, the Fratry remains one of the projects I am most proud of having been involved in during my time running CFC.After 5-years of freelance work, I joined Carlisle Youth Zone as their fundraising bid writer. This position started off as a 3-days a week role so I could continue with some freelance clients, but I soon knew it was a special place and have since committed to working full-time for this excellent charity. Helping disadvantaged inner-city children and young people is a privilege and no two days at work are ever the same! We offer so many of them the opportunity to reach their full potential, but supporting 3000 young members in a large city-based, purpose-built centre is not cheap! Check us out on www.carlisleyouthzone.org and lend us your support by donating, volunteering, or in-kind gifting of equipment services. Specialties: Non-profits, Capital Appeals, Grant-Making Trusts, Fundraising Strategies, Funder Research.I am a peer-reviewed member of the Institute of Fundraising.I am currently working for Cumbria Wheelchair Sports Club and Carlisle Youth Zone.