Eric Grounds was director of fundraising at Sue Ryder for five years up until the end of March 2010, when he left to pursue other opportunities. He cares passionately about tax-effective giving and while at the charity recouped £250,000 in outstanding tax relief for the organisation.

In addition to his day job, he has been a consultant in the voluntary sector for 23 years at Eric Grounds Fundraising Associates and was previously director of national appeals at Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A former magistrate, Grounds also held the title of High Sheriff of Northumberland between April 2006 and April 2007.