WHAT I AM CALLED: Usually Neil. I have been called various names over the years, mostly complimentary – at least the ones I know about are!

MY AGE: Old enough to look back and wish I knew then what I know now.

WHAT I DO: Apart from earning a living, I have spent the past 45 years working as an unpaid volunteer at Radio Cherwell. I am currently the chairman and enjoy the challenge of working with volunteers of all ages, who help to provide a unique blend of entertainment, designed to involve, inform and befriend the patients in the Oxford Hospitals. Through my work at Radio Cherwell I have met interesting people and have got involved with other charities which has broaden my life and, I hope, helped others.

WHERE I LIVE: My wife would probably say at the Radio Cherwell studio, but I live in a North Oxfordshire village.

WHO I LOVE: My family, which includes Marion my wife, daughter Natalie, son in-law Paul, mother in-law Joyce, and all my friends.

HAPPIEST YEAR: I have had many happy times but probably the year that stands out is 2007 when my daughter got married.

DARKEST MOMENT: Life is full of ups and downs; the loss of my parents at different times would rank amongst the darker moments.

PROUDEST BOAST: Abseiling down the Women’s Centre at the John Radcliffe to raise money for children’s services at the hospital. Like me, most people I talk to who have abseiled for the first time have to overcome a certain amount of fear and apprehension. This gives you a huge boost upon landing.

WORST WEAKNESS: Chocolate and over filling my diary.

LESSONS LEARNED: Always look for the good in people and don’t dwell on the negatives.

DULLEST JOB: There have been times in my working life when there was not enough to do. I like to be busy.

GREATEST SHAME: When I look back over my life there are times when I should have handled thing differently and wished I had.

LIFE LONG HERO: I don’t have a particular hero; I have come across many people who could fill the role, particularly those who have shrugged off diversity to achieve their goals.

OLDEST FRIEND: I have a number of friends who I have known for a long time, but I can’t think of which is the oldest who I am still in contact with.

FAVOURITE DREAM: I don’t dream often enough to have a favourite.

WIDEST SMILE: On the faces of hospital patients, often children when we have brought a little light relief into their lives. I think the often-used comment that you get more out of volunteering than you put in is very true and it is often in the smile.

BIGGEST REGRET: This falls into the ‘what if’? We start life with many paths and choices, each path brings different obstacles and challenges which help form our character and the person we are today. No, I don’t have any real regrets.