Why Beacon of Love exists

Some journeys shape our careers. Others change the way we see life. For Chris, both have helped inspire the creation of Beacon of Love.

Chris graduated from The Open University in 2025 with a BA (Hons) in Business Management. During his studies, he also discovered a growing passion for art and its potential to inspire creativity, self-expression and personal transformation. His academic background in business strategy, organisational development and leadership now supports his vision for Beacon of Love.

But Chris's journey of discovery began long before his university studies.

The expedition was about far more than adventure. Chris raised £4,500 in support of world peace and people living on the streets of Nepal, reinforcing a belief that would continue to guide his life: even one person, with determination and compassion, can make a meaningful difference.

Between 2001 and 2009, Chris channeled that belief into helping others. Developing his own innovative interpretation of Tai Chi, he brought movement, mindfulness and personal well-being into a remarkable variety of settings. He taught children in schools, worked with NHS mental health and dementia units, supported residents in nursing and residential care homes, and delivered standing Tai Chi classes in gyms and independently organised sessions.

His approach was creative, adaptable and centred on the individual, earning him recognition as an innovator in his field.

During the challenges surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, Chris demonstrated that same determination by developing his own Level 1 training qualification and delivering an intensive five-day course to NHS and care professionals, sharing his knowledge and helping others develop their skills.

From the mountains of Nepal to classrooms, healthcare settings and university studies, one theme has remained constant: a belief in the potential within every person.

Today, as Founder & Development Director of Beacon of Love, Chris brings together his experiences in business, education, creativity and community well-being. His ambition is to create opportunities where people feel valued, discover new abilities and develop the confidence to move towards a brighter future.

For Chris, Beacon of Love is more than an organisation. It represents a lifetime of learning, overcoming challenges and recognising that extraordinary personal growth often begins with one small step.

“Those experiences taught me that creativity, resilience and the courage to begin are the most powerful tools any of us have.”

Chris believes that everyone is a masterpiece in progress — and that sometimes, all we need is someone to believe in us until we learn to believe in ourselves.

Continuing his own journey of personal and professional growth, Chris is further developing his creative skills, knowledge and passion through an online Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice with Morley College. Alongside this, he is studying towards a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET), strengthening his ability to inspire, encourage and empower others through creative learning experiences.