John Atkinson was born in Middlesbrough, Yorkshire and graduated as a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) from the University of Bradford registering as a Pharmacist with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
He worked in many locations throughout the UK as a Pharmacist, Store and Senior Manager for the national Boots the Chemists, United Co-operatives and miscellaneous pharmacy chains and independents.
This included representation on multiple professional bodies such as the Company Chemists Association, Local Pharmaceutical Committees (Morecambe Bay and Durham) and even represented the RPSGB at a Labour Party Conference.
During a 25 year plus career he was responsible for the training and tutoring of numerous pre-registration pharmacy graduates, dispensing technicians and assistants.
His hobbies include League volleyball (player, coaching and refereeing), windsurfing, walking and motor-caravanning.
A Patient Pharmacist is his debut book, inspired by a desire to share life experiences- a story of love and support in a war against the odds.