Sparkes, Allan

Allan Sparkes was an innocent country boy when he joined the police force. For 20 years he was a front line cop, working in Kings Cross, crime squads and the north coast, and was presented with some of the  highest police awards for service. In 1996 he received the prestigious Cross of Valour – Australia's highest decoration  for bravery – for rescuing a boy from a flooded storm water drain. When Allan's police career ended, he set out to rebuild his life. Seventeen years and several career paths later he has found his calling, inspiring people with his story of personal triumph over adversity. Allan aims to help those who are suffering and those who are trying to support them. He inspires people not to give up, but rather to search for the opportunities that change presents. His presentations often receive standing ovations. Allan is a volunteer for the Beyond Blue Voices program, The Starlight Foundation and Spinal Cure. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two daughters.;