Biography

Early life in Derbyshire

Jamaican roots, and a strong work-ethic underpinned Des’s experience of an inner-city upbringing in Derbyshire. However, a period behind bars for driving offences made Des realize that he needed to plan for his future. He was apprenticed as an engineer and worked extensively across the Midlands specializing in welding using Metal and Tungsten Inert Gas, Manual Metal Arc and Aluminum finally passing his ASME 1X at the age of 19 which allowed him to work at the famous Rugeley power station.

Break-through into acting

Feeling frustrated, Des thought long and hard about the next stage of his career and took the unusual step of attending the much celebrated drama school Guilford School of Acting, graduating with honors three years later.

He made his West End debut in Miss Saigon and subsequently went on to play lead roles in many other award winning shows such as Chicago and Rent. His reputation quickly spread and he was asked to perform a specially written piece to open London’s Soho Theatre.  Subsequently he has toured the UK as Sammy Davis Jr with the Rat Pack followed by a nomination for an Evening Standard Award and most recently he played one of the leads in Sir Trevor Nunn’s revival of the opera Porgy and Bess.

Battle with cancer

During this time Des found out that he had cancer, a rare form of Non Hodgkinsons Lymphoma. After the initial operation and treatment the cancer returned. He was given 18 months to live if the new course of treatment proved unsuccessful. That was 10 years ago. Since then Des had shared time and counselled many whose illness is untreatable.

Charitable work

Des has worked on behalf of Oxfam travelling to Ghana to learn about Fair trade and to establish fresh water wells. On his return he toured the UK speaking to politicians and students about Fair Trade. His involvement with charities include Great Ormond Street, Scope and Debra arranging celebrity Football, Cricket and Basketball matches, conducting auctions/raffles. Des is a regular guest speaker at universities, exhibitions and corporate events around the country.