Not the best of pictures of me but, not the photographer’s (my pal Iain took it) fault. Blame it all on the editor – me!

Gary and CoyI was born – at a very early age – in Gateshead, County Durham; well, it’s been known as Tyne & Wear for ages now, but to me it’s County Durham. Hey! Your birth certificate can’t lie…can it?

Although I still visit family in the area, I haven’t lived there since I left home to join the Royal Air Force at the tender and innocent age of 17. I could tell you what I did, but then I’d have to kill you!

Since leaving the RAF in 1986 I’ve lived a very nomadic and unsettled life.

The first 4 or 5 years were spent as a square peg, desperately trying to fit into a succession of round holes. Ex-serviceman and servicewoman often find it very difficult to settle into civilian life.

Thinking I could change my future for the better, I decided to study for a Degree as a full-time, mature student. After completing an Access course, I duly started my studies at The University of York in 1992. Four years later I graduated with an Honours Degree in Biology/Education. Without a science-related CSE or GCE to my name, I now have a science degree – it’s a funny old life. What’s still weirder is that 4 years previously I couldn’t even spell graduate…and now I are one!

After graduating, I spent a year as a Research Assistant on the Accessing Science for Special Educational Needs (ASSEN) project in Liverpool.

In December 1997, I arrived at The University of Glasgow’s research and teaching facility at Rowardennan, Loch Lomond. It was supposed to be a 9 month contract, but I was kept on part-time for a while. Nearly 12 years later I’m still in the area, living near Drymen – The Gateway to East Loch Lomond. I was so hooked by the natural beauty of the area that I just stayed.

I worked for myself for a few years as a freelance IT trainer until, in early 2001 I became ill with a variety of mental health issues and was unemployed for a long time.

Early last year I became interested in the issues surrounding accessibility and web sites. I discovered AccessifyForum and learned a lot from a bunch of really great people. I now moderate there and can be found there most days.

I am now in the process of starting my own business again at Accessible Web & Training Services (AWTS).

Now, I think that’s you up to speed. Having I forgotten anything? Oops…Coy!

I/he acquired him/me when he was two and a half years old. His previous owner just couldn’t cope with him any more. Not because he was a bad dog, but because she was a single parent with 2 children. Her eldest son is profoundly physically disabled and Coy was just too much for her.

When I picked Coy up at the arranged time and place, he jumped straight into my car and didn’t look back once. I have to say though, a lump came to my throat as I saw the family sobbing their hearts out. Fortunately, the lady is a friend of a mutual friend and receives constant updates on Coy’s progress and life with me.

Coy has been my companion for 7 years now. He is my shadow, my confessor and my loyal friend. He knows my every mood and is sure to try and cheer me up when I’m feeling down. His usual method to achieve this is to sit and stare at me relentlessly, until I either play with him or take him for fresh air and exercise. Being a Labrador, he needs a lot of exercise to stop him being bored and, in the area where we live, it’s a sheer joy to take him for as many walks as possible!

Well, I think that just about wraps it up. Over the coming weeks, I hope you can find something to interest you at The Dog’s Blog!

Thanks for dropping by.