DJ, as he is known to friends and family, or The Don by work colleagues (due to his knowledge and zeal in presentations and teaching) doesn't particularly like the titles bestowed on him, but he does use them, as he has found them useful for setting up meetings and getting the attention of the press. His wife, Lady Arlene, would say he loves the titles, even though she doesn't like her own! He received his knighthood in the New Year's Honours list in 2024 for his contribution to disaster management, presented to him by HRH King Charles III. Prior to this he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his research work, essays, and reports on disaster management at Manchester University in 2010...He would like to look forward to retirement, but, as he would say himself, 'change is one of the only constants', and his life was certainly about to change, so too the lives of everyone around the globe! Whilst on holiday in Scotland with Arlene and their dog Freya, DJ observes something 'odd' in the clear dark skies above Orkney, Scotland. He reports his findings to the nearest space observatory and quickly becomes caught up in what was to become an international disaster. Not quite the retirement he was hoping for!