After a whirlwind couple of months for John Whitby, the newly elected MP for Derbyshire Dales, John found time in his busy schedule to visit Aquabox this week.
John was shown around by Roger Cassidy our chair of trustees, fellow trustee Cheryle Berry and Colin Petty. He had a demonstration of our family filter being made in our new production room, the art of packing over 40 items into our Aqua-Aid box, and listened to how we deliver the filters and aid across the world to help save lives. John was particularly interested to learn that we have shipped over 17 consignments to Ukraine and are helping in conflict torn areas like Yemen and Syria.
Hearing how we have worked hard over the last 12 months to double production of our family water filter John said “ I was prepared to be impressed with Aquabox, but the visit has exceeded my expectations. The commitment of over 80 volunteers to achieve all this in the Derbyshire Dales is amazing, and to think they have been doing this for over 32 years”. John added, “As Colin demonstrated the water filter in action, turning dirty water into clean drinking water instantly was a real wow moment. Aquabox deserve all the support they can get”.
Born and Bred in Derbyshire John had already made his mark forming a band in the 1980’s with a record deal with EMI, resulting in two albums and numerous tours. He then turned to politics.
John has a passion for helping others, This passion for community service led him to become Chair of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Board, Chair of the Corporate Parenting Committee, and Chair of the Neighbourhood Board. In the past John has also contributed as a trustee of Derby Museums, a panel member for Adoption East Midlands and as a Trustee of Derby children’s charity Children First.
