Mark Simmonds worked as a management trainer in a career which spanned 25 years. He has run learning programmes in innovation and creativity for corporations across the globe such as Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Philips and HSBC. He now runs a small agency called Creative Creatures.

Throughout his life, Mark has struggled with pressure and anxiety, and back in 2001, he suffered a nervous breakdown, brought on by work-related stress. This culminated in four months sick leave and a failed attempt (luckily) on his own life. During the last six years, Mark has utilised his experiences of ill mental health in his capacity as a carer, helping his daughter battle against anorexia nervosa.