Darren Long

I am 27 years old and spent most my life in Croydon, I attended Selhurst High school for boys but moved to Harris Academy South Norwood in Year 9 when it was closed by the council for mismanagement and lack of students attending.

I continued my schooling at Harris Academy South Norwood sixth form where I studied Art and Media, as I thoroughly enjoy drawing and watching anime, and Business as I wanted to learn more about the general running and business etiquette. I passed my A levels, achieving an A* in Art.

From Harris I went straight into the 9-5 life. First I worked in Homebase, where I stayed for 4 years and reached as high a position as I possibly could as warehouse/operations manager, before leaving to work for HCA London bridge hospital where I was for 3 years. This was a whole new experience for me, working in a private cancer unit showed me how short time is and the value of good health. I did then move to the NHS to work for St Thomas hospital private unit as service manager and worked every day of lockdown, but have now joined the LNK team as Office Manager.

I joined the team because I wanted to make a change and believe LNK educating young people to prevent knife crime gave me a work-life purpose. My role is to help develop the team and help LNK grow and reach youth that need the message and to also be the spark to inspire change.