Darren was born in Oldham and after leaving school began a career in accountancy. After some years in that role he joined a Funeral Directing company. Now after over 30 years in this occupation, he owns and manages three Funeral Director Companies in and around the Oldham area.
Darren’s main interests in voluntary work have been with St John Ambulance. He joined St John at the age of 8 years old and has been actively involved having held a number of appointments, from being an Area Commissioner and finally the County Commissioner for the whole of Greater Manchester, a post he held from 2001 – 2007. During this time Darren managed and led numerous projects and major events. Arguably the most prestigious of which was the medical coverage of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002.
His final role within St John Ambulance was the Chairman of the County Priory Group for Greater Manchester. He retired from this role in 2023 after being in post for 12 years. Over the years Darren has received three special awards from Her Majesty The Queen in recognition for his voluntary service to St John. He was awarded the Serving Brother of the Order, Officer of the Order and in 2014 Commander of the Order.
He was appointed has a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Greater Manchester in 2015.
He is currently a Trustee for the Mustard Tree charity and he is active with many charitable causes around the North West. He is also a patron of an orphanage in Thailand.
Darren enjoys fine wines of the world and city breaks. He has a son Michael and two grandchildren.
Darren lives by the motto.
‘Life is too short – It’s nice to be nice’.