John has specialised in bereavement counselling for 22 years. From 2000 to 2017 he worked at Saint Catherine’s Hospice Scarborough, as a trainer and counsellor working with bereavements from any cause.

In 2014 his first book, Supporting People through Loss and Grief: An introduction for counsellors and other caring practitioners, was published by Jessica Kingsley.

In 2017 he completed a PhD and in the same year, retired from Saint Catherine’s Hospice.

John was awarded a visiting fellowship of York St John University, and was appointed Director of the Bereavement Service at York St John University Communities Centre, a voluntary, but very active role, which includes training and research.

In 2020 he published his second book, The Plain Guide to Grief.

John Lives between York and Scarborough, with his wife and four cats.