Shefford’s Dan is a Hotspur Hero for giving children a brighter future

Dan Gaze, 37, has been honoured by Tottenham Hotspur in recognition of his dedication to helping children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties.

Dan faced a stint in prison when he was young, but embraced second chances and spent the next chapter of his life helping children and teenagers.

Dan said: “It was quite overwhelming. It’s really really nice, as I’m a Tottenham fan.

“I go to work to help people and the end product is seeing people doing well. I certainly didn’t expect anything.

“This award is for both the staff and pupils I worked with over the years. I’d also like to thank the parents and carers, who never get enough credit.”

Growing up was tough for Dan, whose dyslexia was undiagnosed. He often played the class clown and was expelled from both junior and secondary school.

However, things took a turn for the worse in 2002, when he was sentenced at Luton Crown Court to 18 months in jail for ABH.

Dan said: “As soon as those cell doors shut my life changed straight away. You can go one way or another; you can get involved with crime or change your life.”

After his release, Dan took a job at Hillingdon Council, involving youth work and football projects, as he wanted to help children find a positive path in life, and he was later employed at a pupil referral unit in Stevenage. PRU tutor, Jenny Warren, encouraged Dan to apply for a teaching assistant’s job at Falconer School, Bushey, where he was accepted, and Dan went on to become a teacher, head of PE and finally assistant head.

He recently spent one year at The Chiltern School, Houghton Regis, as assistant head, and has now set up his own business, Dan Gaze Support Service, providing mentoring to young people.

Thanking his former colleagues, Dan said: “I’m so grateful and I have learnt so much from you. I just hope to support as many young people as I can in my time. You learn from them as they learn from you.”

Dan would like to say a special thank you to:

Luke Hillard: “He always put the young people first and supported them in every situation,” said Dan.

Mark Williamson, Head at Falconer School at the time Dan joined: “He helped change my life giving me that chance,” said Dan.

Michelle Wikeley, Home Liaison manger at Falconer School: “I called her the Owl, had so much knowledge and supported me in all situations,” said Dan.

Dave Wikeley, Dan’s line manager at Falconer School

Cefyn Jones, Head of PE when Dan first joined Falconer School

James Bell, Dan’s assistant in PE

Jonathan Kemp, the head of Falconer School who saw Dan through from Head of PE to Assistant Head

Jennie Warren (PRU)

>Please do take some time to watch Dan’s interview with Scott Gamble on YouTube