Charles was born and brought up in South Devon, and has been a fond supporter of Paignton Zoo since childhood, most recently with his wife and young family.

Educated at Exeter School, Southampton Medical School and Exeter University, he qualified and practised as a Solicitor in a local firm before being called to the Bar (Lincoln’s Inn). Since then he has practised as a Barrister out of Chambers in Exeter.

He has held seats on various committees over the years, including the Devon & Somerset Law Society and the Devon & Exeter Medico-Legal Association.
Having been fortunate enough to have seen many of the Zoo’s flora and fauna in the wild, and to have visited a number of zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens and nature reserves around the world, he believes the Trust’s role in both education and conservation to be of vital importance to the future of our planet.