Michael was born and grew up near Croydon, Surrey. After leaving school he went to the University of Bristol to study veterinary science. Nicki was born in Ilford, Essex but grew up in Paignton, Devon. After school she studied computer science with maths, also at the University of Bristol, she then went on to do a post-graduate degree in education.
Both Nicki and Michael were involved in an inter-denominational Chapel associated with the University and it was through this Church that they met. They were married when they completed their studies in 1978.
After three years in general practice as a veterinary surgeon, with Nicki doing some supply teaching, personal tuition and Church administration, they moved from Bristol to Yateley, near Camberley, Surrey. They had their first child Andrew and their second, Richard, followed not long after.
A few months after the move Michael and Nicki felt God wanted them to work for MAF. Overseas work had always been considered an option but it had been assumed it would be in Michael's capacity as a Vet. By 1990 Michael had left general practice and was working for the Ministry of Agriculture as a Veterinary Officer. Nicki was busy as two more sons, Peter and Philip, had by now joined the family.
Michael and Nicki joined St Peter's Church in Yateley and this became their home Church base from which they first explored their call to work with MAF. In March 1991 Michael resigned from his job and left for the USA to train as a Pilot. The next twenty months were very busy. Michael gained his Commercial Pilots Licence and went on to spend seven months working as a Flight Instructor. There were also opportunities to explore a little more of the USA as Michael worked to gain experience and flying hours.
In 1992 their destination with MAF became clear, they were offered an assignment to Papua New Guinea, a land of high mountains, deep valleys, and dense rain forests, some of the most challenging conditions a pilot can fly in.