The People OMs of the Year OM of the Year 2001
OM of the Year 2001
OM of the Year 2001
Richard Ajayi (1980-83; Etonhurst) Managing Director of the Bridge Clinic, Nigeria
Matt Perry (1990-95; Orchards) British Lions Rugby Player
Michael Ridpath (1973-78; Mill House) Novelist
Richard Ajayi
It’s always a privilege to recognise someone who has given his life to public service. Richard is now Managing Director of the Bridge Clinic. This is Nigeria’s first focus assisted conception unit set up in collaboration with consultants from King’s College, London. Upon leaving Millfield, Richard studied medicine and practised in the UK, until returning to Nigeria in 1995. Initially he specialised as an obstetrician and gynaecologist prior to joining the clinic. The clinic has successfully transferred IVF treatment to Nigeria so that women there can now expect the same chances of pregnancy as other countries fortunate enough to have this treatment. The achievements of the clinic have been recognised in Nigeria, with the receipt of a letter of commendation from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the Guild of Medical Doctors Achievement Award for reproductive medicine and the City People Magazine Award for contribution in medicine. Richard is one of four brothers who came to Millfield and was nominated by the Nigeria Millfield Association.
Matt Perry
Only leaving Millfield in 1995, it is remarkable what Matt has achieved in such a short time, by establishing himself as one of the outstanding young talents of the world game. Following just a handful of appearances for his club, Bath, he made his England debut against Australia in November 1997. Coach Clive Woodward saw enough of Matt at Bath and on the England under 21 tour to Australia to realise his potential and selected him for his first international squad. As many of us have witnessed ourselves, his counter attacking, strong tackling and excellent handling skills have been features of his many exceptional performances for England. In December 2000, he equalled the English record for the most caps playing in the full back position – 33. Fittingly, the record was made in the match at Twickenham against the Australians, where England won a thrilling game in the final minute. The pinnacle of any rugby career is to be selected for the British Lions. Matt was selected to go to Australia as one of two full backs. He made a striking contribution in the first test that the Lions won spectacularly. With youth on his side, Matt has the opportunity to continue to give startling performances for both club and country for years to come.
Michael Ridpath
How many of you have picked up and read one of Michael’s books? Translated into 32 languages, books such as “Free to Trade”, “Trading Reality”, “The Marketmaker” and “Final Venture” capitalised upon Michael’s commercial experience in the city. Born in Devon in 1961, Michael grew up in Yorkshire. At Millfield he spent 5 years at Mill House (housemaster JHD) as an academic pupil but also a wholehearted all-rounder, playing regularly in the second row for the 1st XV in his final year. After leaving he read history at Merton College, Oxford. From there he joined Saudi International Bank, a part Saudi part American owned bank based in London. Starting as an analyst, he became a bond trader, managing one of the largest junk bond portfolios in Europe. In 1991, he left bond trading to join Apex Partners, a venture capital firm. They say that each of us has a book within us. Clearly Michael’s was more eager to get out than most. His first novel “Free to Trade”, was written over a four-year period during evenings and weekends. When it was accepted for publication, Michael received a large advance, a portent of things to come. It was published in 1995, to critical acclaim and was No. 2 in the Sunday Times Best-seller list for over 8 weeks. His most recent book “The Predator”, his fifth, is soon to be published. His success has brought him many accolades and he is a member of The Crime Writers Association and a member of the General Committee of the Royal Literary Fund. Married to Barbara, they live in Hampstead Garden Suburb, with their three children, Julia, Laura and Nicholas.
Clearly, 2001 was a vintage year for OM’s. Once again, I hope everyone reading this will join me in congratulating Richard, Matt and Michael upon their own personal achievements and upon winning these awards.