My Journey
A Life in Seasons
My work life has been as varied as a buffet, each role requiring a smorgasbord of skills—some completely foreign, some vaguely familiar, and others picked up along the way.
I once read: “I feel like I’m in Season 5 of my life, and the writers are just making ridiculous shit happen to keep it interesting.” Feels about right. But these days, my version of excitement includes yet another living room reorganisation, followed by five glorious minutes of basking in the new layout, glass of red in hand.
But finally, I’m where I truly belong—building relationships for Abby’s Heroes, a charity supporting families facing childhood cancer.
Living with Intention
My bucket list is all about squeezing every last drop out of life—adventure, new places, different cultures, and a few unexpected quirks. Like flower arranging. Odd, considering I treat most garden blooms like unwelcome guests. Camellias and rhododendrons barely stand a chance, snipped away with ruthless efficiency, while peonies and roses get a short-lived reprieve. My garden is about texture—leaves, depth, height. And yet, there’s something about arranging flowers—why not add a little unexpected beauty, one petal at a time?
I’m a glass-half-full person, always looking on the bright side, even when the cup wobbles. My perfect day? Family, friends, a big picnic, weather that feels like a dream, a sea swim (without the fear of nipples turning into organ stops), and a sunset that fills you with warmth, laughter, and gratitude.
Seizing Every Opportunity
There’s not much that irritates me—live and let live—but complacency gets under my skin. Why let opportunities slip by? Watching someone waste a perfectly good chance is like watching cake go uneaten. Life’s too short—enjoy every crumb.
I’ve spent years trying to make everyone happy, often at my own expense. Like the time I flew halfway around the world and back in 24 hours just to deliver children to their father in South Korea. Should’ve given my head a wobble, but at the time, it felt like the right thing to do.
Lessons Learned
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be:
- Start a pension in your 20s.
- Reality-check yourself regularly.
- Have a plan—but make room for detours. Life’s not a one-way street, and a cul-de-sac isn’t a dead end. Just reverse and find another way.
Above all, savour every moment. One minute, your 20s are in full swing; the next, they’re a distant memory. You’ll wonder why you didn’t pour another glass of wine or buy that extra Hosta instead of stressing over nonsense. My dad always said, “There are no pockets in a shroud, Pam.”
Defining Moments
The Hardest Challenges
Some moments have shaped me more than others:
- Boarding school Sundays—always keeping busy to delay the dread of returning after an exeat weekend.
- The attempted suicide of a parent-in-law.
- Recognising my marriage was over and finding the strength to walk away.
- Losing both my parents.
My Greatest Achievement
Raising three independent, determined, and fun daughters—each with a mischievous twinkle in their eye—while running my own business.
A Career of Many Turns
Environmental Science & Marine Biology
I started as an Environmental Consultant, but after seeing months of work reduced to three sentences, I knew the fight was futile. I moved into marine biology outreach at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, where daily surprises included inspecting fisherman’s catch, exhibiting at The Royal Society (nematode worms and hydrothermal vents, anyone?), and overhearing tea-break debates on giant squid off New Zealand.
Education & International Experience
From there, I moved into education—teaching A-Level Geography and Biology at Truro College, before stepping into marketing and publicity. Then, I ventured into international education, working for the British Council in Muscat, Oman, helping Omani students navigate UK university options. After a year in Nagasaki, Japan, I moved to Okpo, South Korea, supporting the school community at an international school.
Running My Own Business
Returning to the UK, I needed flexibility as a single parent. I retrained as a Sports Massage Therapist—a hands-on (literally) role that helped countless people feel better. My business started as a mind map of circles, arrows, and capital letters, then evolved into a network of loyal clients. Seven years later, with my youngest in senior school and my hands protesting, it was time for a change.
Back to Education & Charity Work
I pivoted back to education, first as a college Work Experience Coordinator and Job Coach, then as a Business Development Manager for Apprenticeships. Not the easiest gig—convincing employers to take on untested apprentices and post-lockdown teens wasn’t a recipe for success.
In my latest job working for Abby’s Heroes, means I offer practical supporting to families facing the terrible challenges from having their child diagnosed with cancer. Abby lost her fight at eight years old, and her mum turned grief into action, raising money to help other families. From covering rent payments to stocking hospital care bags, we offer practical support to ease an unbearable journey. If you’d like to know more: abbysheroes.org.
Every twist and turn has led me here—doing work that truly matters.
What Drives Me
Creative: 4
Logical: 5
Organized: 5
Empathetic: 4
Active: 5
Self-confident: 5
Sociable: 3 (networking mode on!)
Extroverted: 4
Elevator Pitch
I love a challenge—knowing the goal, mapping out a plan, and making it happen. But I also believe the journey should be just as memorable as the destination.
As someone once said: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, ‘Wow! What a ride!’”
So while I’m here, I’m making it count.
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