David Cairns Age: 58 What I do: I am retired, so apart from travelling, I spend most of my time developing the Oxford Foodbank –which has become more of an obsession than any job in my life.

Where I live: Islip – a wonderful village on the edge of Oxford. We moved here seven years ago. We love it because it is rural yet we can be in the city centre in 20 minutes and we have easy access to London where our daughters live.

Who I Love: My wife Jackie and daughters Grace and Emma. Also, just so no one gets put out – all of our wider family (which is large)!

Happiest Year: My Life – a bit of a “cop out” – but I have been lucky to have always been surrounded by wonderful family, friends and people.

Darkest Moments: When two of my brothers died within six months of each other. They were both in their early 30s, had young families and never lived to see them grow into beautiful individuals.

Proudest Boast: I am extremely proud of all the volunteers who help with the charities I am involved with. They are fantastic people from all across society, from students to pensioners, who freely give up themselves. I could boast about them all day.

Worst Weakness: Not always appreciating others for who they are, rather than what they are or what they do. Every individual should be appreciated for being the person they are – not what we expect them to be.

Lessons Learned: No matter how difficult life is, there are always people worse off than you, so make the best of what you have. Through travel and particularly what I see with the Foodbank, I realise that I have been extremely lucky and now using what few skills I have to help others less fortunate is a natural “career” progression.

Dullest Job: Unfair to pick out one, because all have their ups and downs. As we spend most of our lives working, it is incumbent on us to find something that lightens up the day for ourselves and others.

Greatest Shame: Not making the most of what I was born with.

Life Long Hero: Undoubtedly my parents. They gave me everything I am. They endured a lot to give our family the best opportunity. They were wonderful people and if I could be half as a good a person as they were I would be doing well.

Oldest Friend: Gary and Bill – although our lives diverged and we live in different countries, when we meet up – the bonds are as strong as ever and it’s like reliving your youth again.

Favourite Dream: Ireland winning the rugby World Cup.

Biggest Regret: I could say this missed opportunity or that particular thing I did, but in truth I feel that life is too short to have regrets – we have what’s ahead of us to look forward to and must make the most of it.