Robin's idea was to provide housing and support for vulnerable adults with little or no housing choice, with the hope that he could give people who had experienced difficulties in their lives a safe place to live. Through hard work and perseverance this project has bloomed into a large social care organisation that now provides housing and support for over 400 vulnerable men, women and families across Merseyside. In 2005, the efforts of Robin and his family were recognised when New Start was awarded 'Family Business of the Year in the 'Contribution to the Community' category at a black tie dinner event held at St. George's Hall in Liverpool.
On the sudden death of Kenny O'Toole, Robin decided he would like to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation and together with Jimmy Tinsley and Bob Jones, put together and organised a team that would swim from Scotland to Ireland. The swim was a great success; the team beat the existing record time which had been held by a group of American's and managed to raise £lOk for the British Heart Foundation.
Robin's work in the community led him to join the West Derby Rotary Club around 2003, he was elected as the Chairman in 2006 and in 2007 Robin was honoured with the 'Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow Award' in appreciation of 'tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relation among people of the world'.
Through the instigation of 'Liverpool Heartbeat', Robin brought the David Graham High School Programme to Merseyside. This is an interactive show that uses music and sport to promote anti-crime, good citizenship and healthy lifestyles to over 30,000 local children and also children in schools across the country.
In 2007, Robin had a setback of his own when, he was diagnosed with cancer, the operation was to force him to slow down. However, Robin returned to being as active as ever and continues his community and charity work tirelessly.
Part 1, 2 & 3 below: