The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise

Bob Pembroke, 57,  from Dagenham set up his own therapy business

Robert (Bob) Pembroke is 57 and totally blind. He trained in Anatomy and physiology, massage and reflexology, at The Royal National College For the Blind, Hereford, in 1992/93.

While at the college Bob had visits from other complimentary therapy practitioners and health professionals which gave him grounding in other therapies and use some of the techniques that were shown in his own treatments.

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Tony Palmer, 52, set up Crystal Mountain Glass when he was made redundant

In April 2008, Tony Palmer hit an all-time low, he had been made redundant at 52 and was suffering from Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) which can cause severe fatigue after mental or physical activity. Despite applying for a number of jobs he was never invited to an interview and began to come to terms with the fact that his chances of obtaining paid employment were slim.
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Val Charman, from Coalville, went from being ill, redundant and on benefits to utilising her skills and interests to turn her life around.

After working in sales and marketing for over 20 years, Val Charman suddenly became ill.  With constant dizziness, Val couldn’t drive or walk, let alone work.  Signed off work for 2 months, the doctors diagnosed Meniere’s disease, telling Val there is no cure – you just have to get used to it!

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