Andy loves Copnor, especially in the Spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom. He has lived in the ward, on Copnor Road, for 28 years. His 3 sons were all born in Portsmouth and educated at local state schools. He is a full-time carer for his youngest son, who is 25 and has Downs Syndrome. Andy has a record of service in his local community. He is a volunteer and fundraiser for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, and regularly takes part in the Great South Run.

Sport is important to Andy and he helped manage a team in the Portsmouth Youth Football League for some years.

Following his retirement as a teacher, Andy is now a mentor to vulnerable students at a Hampshire secondary school and understands the challenges our young people face.

Andy’s family was among thousands affected by the closure of GP services in Stubbington Avenue and problems accessing NHS dentistry in Copnor. He says,

“We all face the challenge of being the best we can be. None of us can succeed alone. We’ve been so badly let down in recent years.

The forces of division have grown stronger in recent years, driving people apart. But we have far more in common than we often realise.

I will listen carefully to all our community, bring people together to tackle our shared challenges to build a healthier, more resilient city, where more of us feel included and supported.”