Craig

Hi, my name is Craig; I am 47 years young and live with my partner of nine years Louisa and our 3 year old daughter Erin just outside the beautiful medieval town of York.

I work for Kajima Partnerships Limited a subsidiary of the Japanese Kajima Corporation as a Development Manager engaged primarily in public sector construction projects. Recent projects have included new schools, medical facilities and civic buildings in the North of England. I am a qualified Civil Engineer with a BSc from the University of Salford.

I try to spend as much of my spare time as possible with Louisa and Erin although this does sometimes conflict with my other interests, mountain biking, hill walking and snowboarding – or anything outdoors. For my sins I follow Newcastle United FC, and again this season looks like being a poor one.

I am looking forward to coming to Sri Lanka and getting involved. I have travelled extensively in my past, but never to Sri Lanka, although I have spent a few weeks in Northern India and Nepal.

Nik

Nik has previously worked on charitable projects for the African Children’s Choir, the Emmanuel Educational Trust and, on a voluntary basis, the Leukaemia Research Fund. He has also been known to play the drums but realised early on that he had more of a talent for counting the beat than keeping it; hence, Nik subsequently qualified as an Accountant and now works for Northgate plc. Married with three children, Nik was encouraged by his family to assist with Project Sri Lanka as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.

Andrew

I graduated from Loughborough University in 1995 with a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering. I worked for a chemical company, ICI, in design then manufacturing and finally supply chain before leaving in 2007 to set up a company – Replanted – with a friend. It’s a web based forum for promoting the re-use of machinery, kind of like an e-bay for chemical plant. As well as the MBA to keep me busy, I have many pasttimes including rugby, ballroom dancing and balloon modelling. Finding the time is not easy, as I have a beautiful 9 month old daughter. She smiles most of the time though which allows me to get on with my work!

James

I was born in Liverpool, but grew up over the water (far enough away to not be instantly recognised as a ‘Scouser’). I left for the North East of England when I started at the University of Newcastle, studying Medicine. I enjoyed my years as an undergrad, and the area certainly had enough ‘attractions’ to keep me occupied for the length of my 5-year course. I am still a proud member of Newcastle MedSoc (Medics Society), which entitles me to free beer every Friday! During my time at University I managed to do some very silly things, most in the name of charity, ranging from fire walking to parachuting and canyoning to the Great North Run. I even once took part in a 4-day hitch-hike race to Amsterdam (and survived)!

Since I qualified as a Doctor I have spent my time focusing on Emergency Medicine and Trauma Surgery. I currently work for Northumbria Healthcare in Accident & Emergency and have an interest in management.

Mudassar

I believe I am a person who loves life and all its joys, finding myself to be extremely fortunate in the opportunities which have come my way. The passions in my life range from my family and friends, continually learning, whether it be through my work within financial services, my business, academia, the political scene locally and globally and of equal importance, travelling, meeting new people and appreciating different cultures across the globe. I have and continue to be so keen in applying all my skills and experience to help those who are less fortunate than me, whether it be caused through natural or man-made events, again both locally and internationally. I truly believe the Sri Lanka project is one of the most exciting projects I have undertaken and am thrilled about the next few weeks, months and years to follow as we aim to help those most in need on a sustained basis. I have the drive to succeed in everything I do and this opportunity is no different, wanting to make a real positive improvement to those whose lives were devastated by the Tsunami in 2004. Who knows, this could be the start of something amazing! Oh and finally, yes, I do chill too when I find the odd minute or two(!)’