David Akinsanya was born to a Nigerian father and English mother in Essex. After 18 months in a private foster home, his mother was forced to stop paying and he was put into care. Akinsanya stayed in the same family group children’s home run by 'Auntie Betty'. He later learned that she had been told not to reply to his letters and cards (they were given back to him by her family at her funeral). Akinsanya spent time in youth custody but determined to prove he was a 'good person'. He worked for 25 years in broadcasting, making current affairs programmes. He now delivers well being training for the NHS.