Martin Thaddeus was born in Crawley in 1959, one of nine children. On leaving art college, Martin worked as a graphic artist to a local paper, but surgery to his right wrist prompted a change of direction, and he retrained in panel-beating.?After 10 years in crash repair and salvage, Martin chose to specialise in classic restoration, which appealed more to his creative nature.?Customers have always been welcome in Martin's workshop, and many have gotten their hands dirty under his watchful eye.?Married for 23 years and with three grown up children, Martin recently lost a kidney, while his wife Elaine gained one!