Energy sustainabiltiy and waste manager, Don Mackenzie, joined CHFT in January following a career as a Physics Teacher for 12 years as well as working with Kirklees Council.

After studying Physics at university and teacher training, Don moved to Halifax in 1990, continuing to live and work in the area since then.
 

He told us: "I enjoy outdoor pursuits, mainly cycling and walking and I try to keep fit by cycling up the hill through Elland to Huddersfield most days (although the staff shuttle bus is a great temptation).

"The accessibility of outstanding countryside on our doorstep, but also interesting and varied towns, cities and villages makes this an area of the country it would be very difficult to leave."

When asked about the best bits of his job so far, Don said it was meeting staff in the hospitals and community that have a commitment to waste management and appreciate the joined up approach the NHS is taking to sustainable development.

Don added: "Developing a sustainable, rural nursery and children’s centre at Grange Moor as a project manager for Kirklees Council has been the highlight of my career so far. If I had to sum up my role in there words, I'd say: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

"When I was growing up I'd probably say I was wanted John Noakes’ job (a Blue Peter presenter for anyone under 40). But my hero would be Nelson Mandela. A bit of a cliché but my greatest hero for obvious reasons."

And if you know Don, a keen cyclist, you might be surprised to know... "I have been known to watch Top Gear, my boys are big fans!"