John started his career as a student nurse in 1975, training in Melton, Suffolk; qualifying as an RMN in 1978. After several years he moved overseas to start a new chapter in his life, working in Phoenix, Arizona USA from 1986 - 1989. He moved back to the UK in 1989, working at Broadmoor High-Secure Hospital in Crowthorne, Berkshire. His seventeen-year career there progressed through various roles such as Staff Nurse, Team Leader, Clinical Nurse Manager, Practice Development Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, ending his career there in 2006 as one of three Modern Matrons.

Leaving the Trust (West London Mental Health Trust) in January 2006 due to developing Multiple Sclerosis, he has continued to develop and implement a variety of clinical, managerial and NVQ training programmes. In addition to this, John writes articles for magazines as well as novels, and enjoys painting. He has an extended family of children and grand-children with whom he spends much of his time.