Patrick was born in South Africa, is Irish and Scottish, and has lived in Switzerland since 1998. His first degree was a BA in Politics and French from Loughborough University, and his most recent was a PGCE from the University of Nottingham. He came to Verbier as a camp counsellor in 2006. He was a ski technician for many years, and has also been a ski instructor and excursion leader for children in Verbier and Zermatt. In the summer months, he teaches English and coaches football at Institut Le Rosey, where he was a housemaster, and is now the director of boarding. He speaks English, French, and passable Spanish.

In his spare time, Patrick enjoys skiing, ski touring, hiking, reading, quizzes, and running a small candle business with his Czech partner.