About me

I have lived in Charlton Kings for over twenty years and attended Charlton Kings Infant and Junior schools and Balcarras. My education was cut short when I developed a neurological disease at the age of fourteen. Although I achieved very good grades in my GCSEs and AS levels, I was unable to complete my A levels due to worsening health.

I am an advocate and campaigner in relation to a range of issues, including mental health and disability. At the age of sixteen, I volunteered with Mindfull, a charity which provided support around mental health issues for young people. In addition to working on an online support forum, I also campaigned for improved services. This led to opportunities to speak on a number of BBC radio programmes and also to speak at a high-profile charity conference which was attended by political leaders and policy-makers.

I currently volunteer for Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, on their helpline supporting survivors of sexual violence. I also work on a voluntary basis providing administrative support to the North Cotswolds Foodbank. I am an archery coach with Deer Park archers

Why I became a Councillor

I have lived in Charlton Kings for most of my life and local issues really matter to me. In a time when there is often a focus on major political issues, I think it is important not to lose sight of the relatively small things, that can have a big impact on people's lives, which can be delivered by Parish Councils. Before I applied to be a Councillor, I was worried that I might not have the necessary skills or experience. However, I have learnt that I have a lot to contribute and that having Councillors with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences strengthens and enriches the Council as a whole. I have also been able to learn new skills, and develop existing ones, as part of my work as a Councillor.