Fred Higton studied Chemistry and gained a BSc and PhD. He subsequently worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing medicines and consumer products for over thirty years, mostly with the Boots Company.

In addition to his scientific work Fred has been a professional cartoonist and caricaturist for many years.

Fred suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2011 and the resulting stroke left him paralysed down the right hand side. With extensive physiotherapy and lots of determination, some of the functionality has been restored but he has had to change to drawing with the left hand.

Fred has a keen interest in research and is involved with a number of activities including the Nottingham Stroke Research Partnership Group, the East Midlands ARC and the Community Voices group. He is also involved in research for the Institute of Mental Health including the work of TRIPOD.