Patrick is a writer, business adviser and long distance walker/charity fundraiser. He is a former senior British diplomat with 25 years’ experience in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
Patrick’s first book – The Great American Delusion, drawing on his experiences of living in the US – was published in October 2020.
In 2021, Patrick set off to walk, unsupported, from one end of the UK to the other to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research (his father was diagnosed with dementia in 2017). The 1400 mile challenge, including the UK’s three highest peaks – Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – took 74 days during which Patrick raised more than £30,000 for vital medical research.
In 2019, Patrick joined the Advisory Board of ResultCIC, a community interest company that specialises in coaching and training for people in society who feel marginalised or excluded.
Until 2018, Patrick was British Deputy Ambassador to the US where he worked closely with the Obama and then Trump presidencies on all aspects of the UK/US relationship. He also ran the UK government’s network of 14 posts around America, leading a team of more than 750 people.
During his diplomatic career, Patrick also served in Morocco, Poland and Iran. He was Private Secretary (Deputy Chief of Staff) to two successive Foreign Secretaries, Robin Cook and Jack Straw, during a tumultuous period that included the 9/11 attacks on the US and the subsequent start of hostilities in Afghanistan and Iraq. He played a significant role in British policy-making on the Arab Spring, Iran and its nuclear programme and the UK’s relations with Europe. In recognition of his outstanding record of service, Patrick was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty The Queen in 2012.
Born in 1968, Patrick graduated from the University of Bath in 1991 with a First Class degree in Business Administration. He speaks French and some Polish. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, hiking, camping and singing.
