Stuart served six years in the Army as a younger man straight from school and had completed three tours of Northern Ireland in the late 1970s including a year working attached to the SAS. He left the army aged 22 and became a Lorry Driver and was disabled in 1985 losing a leg below the knee through a Lorry Driving accident at work. He had much to overcome and eventually competed for Great Britian in the 1992 Barcalona Paralympic Games, winning a Bronze medal in the 400 metres track event.

Ever since winning the Vocal and Instrument Duet class in the Hull Music Festival, husband and wife, Robin and Helen, have felt a strong desire to work together as an acoustic duo. Their musical heritage is certainly varied, from Christian Rock bands such as "Whitegold" and "Giants will Fall" to appearances in the opera "Carmen" and various Gilbert and Sullivan productions. However, the most importance influence in the current Living Hope sound comes from Helen’s early days in "Mediaeval Fete" (pronounced feet!), a successful folk sextet. This interesting and eclectic mix fused with a strong Christian Faith produces a soothing, haunting sound with flashes of energy and vibrancy.