As a young teenager, I discovered a big interest in Makeup and Makeup effects. Through watching movies, especially horror movies. At that time, I was also a member of the local St John Ambulance community, where I became responsible for crudely creating 'casualty simulation' effects for training cadets on first aid.

Along the way, I realised it may be possible to potentially do this as a career, working in TV and Film. As I was in my final few years at school, maybe the Careers advisor could help?

Well it turned out - not very helpful at all.

I looked into where I might go next. Training, college etc. I discovered I would need quite a few academic qualifications.

Unfortunately that wasn't going to work for me, so I knew I had to get some form of employment.

The local Post Office delivery office was hiring, so I applied and gained employment as a Postman. Thinking it would be an interim job.

It turned into 11 years of employment. Though that wasn't the plan.

I heard a local college was holding courses in Media and Theatrical Makeup, so I applied and to my surprise, got in.

I worked out a way to do this while continuing to work at the Post Office during the day.

As the course came to a conclusion and I passed the course, I knew I had to make a decision in my next steps. I began to reach out with what little knowledge I had of future employers and begin to attempt to try and find work. It was difficult, I didnt know anyone and everyone I'd heard of was based in the south of England. To me it seemed a million miles away from the village of Freckleton where I grew up and was living.

Eventually I came across contact details for Nick Dudman, who fortunately lived close by in the Lake District. I contacted him and he said to come see him.

To cut a story short, he offered me a place on a short makeup course, which he occasionally ran between jobs.

I accepted the place and hoped I could show him what I could do in 4 short days.

Well, it paid off. At the end of the course, he offered me a job on his next project.

That project was Harry Potter.

I guess since that time, I have never looked back. It was the beginning of my new career and am happy to say Ive been working and doing what I love for nearly 25 years.

Perseverance does pay off.