John was previously a corporate and commercial lawyer and business adviser. He was formerly Managing Partner and founder of Baines Wilson LLP, the specialist commercial law firm which was based in Cumbria and Lancashire.

He set the firm up in 1999, having moved back to Cumbria in 1996 and retired as a Partner in 2017. John was also Founder and former Chair of West Cumbria Rivers Trust, an environmental charity. He is also involved in various other charitable and sporting bodies.

John said: “CCF is a superb organisation and I’m proud to say that I have been involved since its formation. I was honoured to accept the opportunity to help the charity as a trustee with its extremely important work. Even now, a number of years into the role, I never cease to be amazed at the dedication and commitment of both the CCF team and the charities it assists.”