Burgess was born in [[Worsley]], in [[Salford, Greater Manchester|SalfordLancashire]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.findmypast.co.uk/search/results?datasetname=england+%26+wales+births+1837-2006&firstname=timothy+allan&lastname=burgess|title=Search Results for England & Wales Births 1837-2006|website=Findmypast.co.uk|access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref> andbut grew up in [[Moulton, Cheshire]], near [[Northwich]], Cheshire.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/news/951273.north-country-boy-tims-back-in-town/|title=North country boy Tim's back in town|newspaper=Northwich Guardian|access-date=6 January 2022}}</ref> Hewhere he moved to [[Cheshire]] when he was five. He went to Leftwich High School in 1978, which was the first year as a co-educational comprehensive school. He played for the school cricket team, and joined Northwich Swimming Club, but his sister showed more prowess in swimming.<ref>''Winsford Chronicle'' Wednesday 30 January 1991, page 14</ref>
He left school at sixteen, and worked for the ICI overseas distribution department at [[Runcorn]].
