Martin’s main background is in care work and has involved many roles from team leader at the National Autistic Society, running an allotment project for people with learning disabilities, training home carers, rapid response work covering Suffolk & working for Ipswich Borough Council in the HEARS team until 2022. After the Stroke Association closed their face to face meet ups in 2020 with no sign of restarting them, he assisted his parents to start an Ipswich-based twice monthly meet up group called 'Share Your Journey' for people who have, or care for someone who has suffered a stroke, heart attack or brain haemorrhage. It now has strong links and support from the Stroke Working Age Group Suffolk (SWAGS) who encouraged them to keep going. Martin saw a lot during his time as a carer but has been humbled by the strength of character and support given by those attending both these groups. Martin recently started his own small gardening business.