Robert is a former journalist, public relations practitioner and university lecturer.

In 2024, Robert’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer following a stroke six years previously. He now volunteers exclusively for the NHS, charities, research bodies and not-for-profit organisations.

On stroke matters Robert advises the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts and helped write the content for.their ‘All Things Stroke’ website. He is a member of  the Bradford Institute for Health Research’s Academic Unit for Ageing & Stroke and supports the University of Sheffield’s School of Medicine & Population Health stroke research unit.

On cancer issues, Robert is part of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Patient and Public Involvement Programme, works with Prostate Cancer UK and supports ‘Hope for Tomorrow’, which provides mobile cancer treatment units at Airedale Hospital and the wider community.

As a visiting fellow of Leeds Beckett University he helps Leeds Business School develop its links with business and commerce to give students the soft skills they need for career success.

Robert is married with two grown-up sons and loves The Kinks and Saab cars.