Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Andy Dean and my life has taken me on a journey that has shaped who I am today.

I grew up on The Meadows Estate in Garforth, Leeds, where my parents owned the local newsagents on the estate.Tragically, they were killed in the Tenerife Air Crash on the 25th April 1980, an event that had a profound impact on my life at a young age.

I later married and, although I divorced in 2000, I am the proud father of three adult children and five grandchildren.

My working life began working at Gilchrist Bros Reprographics Specialists for 9 years, which included a 4 year apprenticeship, which provided me with a strong technical foundation.

In July 1987, I emigrated to Australia. During my time in Australia, I owned and operated a private printing company employing 15 staff for 11 years. I then established a haulage business with two trucks, delivering to the mining industry for five years. Following this, I trained within the mining sector as an Explosive Shot Firer, working across iron ore, lithium and gold mines.

On the 23rd of December 2021, my life changed dramatically when I was a victim of an assault in a bar in Perth Australia. I spent 7 days in an induced coma, 2 weeks in intensive care and 5 weeks in Royal Perth Trauma Hospital/Fiona Stanley Injury Hospital. My recovery required me to learn to walk again and undergo intensive cognitive therapy followed by a full year of intense rehabilitation.

In August 2024, I made the decision return to the UK to be closer to my two sisters. I now live and work in Thirsk in North Yorkshire, where I am employed at a Tractor dealership.

My journey has been shaped by challenges and perseverance.

It's now time for me to give something back to say thank you to all of the brilliant people in the Medical profession who helped me recover.

I have organised a Retro Disco thanks to Jackie & Mark Quarmby at The Podger in Garforth on Saturday 7th of March 19.30 to midnight with all proceeds going to the local Brainkind charity based at Daniel Yorath House - a neurological centre in Garforth, providing innovative neuro rehabilitation and person-centred support to enable people to thrive after a brain injury or other neurological conditions.

Their aim is for the people they support to live as independently as possible in an environment that enhances their wellbeing.

Their specialist rehabilitation is led by a experienced multidisciplinary team, consisting of clinical neuropsychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation support workers.

They focus on enabling people to function more independently and develop their lives as they choose.

It would be brilliant if you could help me raise money for Brainkind, a nationwide charity. I have three great sponsors for the event, Bombay Blush, SASO Beds and Titan Peptides.

It would also be great to see some of you on the dance floor at The Podger in Garforth on Saturday 7th March 1930- Midnight.

Many thanks.

Andy Dean