12/08/2026
Retirement….
Future Choices was founded in November 2008, I now write this statement in the summer of 2026, a statement that I had never imagined I would be making 18 years later.
I am so incredibly emotional as I write this because Future Choices has not only gone from strength to strength over the years impacting on so many people's lives, it's beyond humbling but it's been a fixture of my life daily.
Being the Chairman of the charity has been the biggest honour & privilege of my life. Being able to support so many people without any personal financial gain. Doing what I do purely from my heart has been overwhelmingly rewarding, however blending that alongside being a full time carer has at times been extremely challenging over the years.
I therefore plan to retire from Future Choices as chairman in 2027 & see a new team taking the charity onto further & future success.
I feel immensely blessed to have had so many incredible experiences through leading Future Choices, to many too mention & have met so many amazing people along the way.
One highlight I'll never forget is when we were struggling as a charity to transport our members as we only had one bus, then we received a remarkable donation of £30,000 from the family of one of our beloved members allowing us to purchase a second bus, Lady Lilian, being extra special to me as it allowed Biff & I to get to charity events whilst helping others.
My decision to retire is purely a personal one. One that will allow me to gain back some more much needed me time, something I've rarely had over the years. I do plan to support the charity from the sidelines & wish it every success it can possibly receive in the future, something it richly deserves.
I would also like to add that my colleague & dear friend, Lesley Anne Bremner, who has served as Secretary from the beginning is also retiring due to personal health issues.
I wish to pay tribute to Lesley for all her outstanding service to her community despite her many health issues. She has been an absolute gem to work with for the past 18 years.
I/we will miss managing the charity but we know that with a strong team in place, Future Choices can continue to do what it was designed to do, help to break down the social isolation barriers for disabled adults & support their carers/loved ones.
My motto in life has always been, if abled bodied people can get out into the community, meet up, go for food & drink & have fun, why can't disabled people? All disabled people need is just that extra bit of support!
Before ending, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at ACVO for all their continued support over the years. It's been magical & I've learned so much & will forever be grateful for everything they have done for the charity.
Inchgarth Community Centre, Paul O Connor MBE, Scott Beattie & Ruairidh Morrison, without the support from the management team we wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet up on a Tuesday morning from 11am-2pm in the hall for free. Being completely voluntary led, funds at times have been limited so to get the use of the hall to enjoy our sessions has just been golden & I'll be ever so grateful for that.
Committee members, drivers, young & older volunteers, your dedication & commitment to the cause is something I can never truly put into words, how thankful & grateful I am
Future Choices will always have a special place in my heart ❤️
Much love David & Lesley 🙏
