Alan Cuthbertson was born and brought up in Leeds, England. He was married at 19, and in partnership with his wife, Heather, started the family stationery business. During this time Alan served 4 years as an Officer in The Royal Airforce Reserves and became an accomplished aerobatics pilot. 18 years on and frustrated with the commitment the family business demanded he decided, along with his wife and 2 daughters, to move to Spain where they now live in a small Andalucian village.