I sustained a T10 spinal cord injury when a reckless illegal, off the ball tackle was executed on me during a rugby match in October 2017, instantly leaving me paralysed on the pitch.  When I was in the Spinal Injury Centre at Stoke Mandeville I spoke with Jamie, Aspire’s Independent Living Advisor, and was able to ask him questions I couldn’t ask the staff. I sued the opposition player and won the court case in 2023, with the help and support of Aspire Law. 

I have consistently broken barriers in my life, including my journey through adulthood, motherhood and navigating a new way of life.  I have worked with several different charities to support and raise more awareness for the consistent day-to-day issues those with a spinal cord injury have to endure.  As well as being an avid presence in physical charities, I also advocate through social media, raising positive awareness and showing the real side of daily challenges as a disabled mother and athlete. 

Sport was always a passion of mine, but I knew that if I was going to put my body on the line again, it had to be something I was passionate about.  

I tried a lot of wheelchair sports and then I discovered para ice hockey – which is like rugby on ice!  I am a member of the GB Para Ice Hockey Women’s & Men's team and have competed in many championships including the Women's World Challenge Ice Hockey.  I was the first Women to score in the IPC World Championships in Bangkok 2022 in what was known then as the men's championship (now mixed) as GB had only four women in their squad!  Alongside this I have also taken part in the London Marathon in 2020 and 2021. 

I’ve learnt many lessons from sport that have helped me navigate life, both pre- and post-injury.  I am very passionate about sport and proud as to what I have achieved throughout my SCI battle.  

I am so pleased that I am able to show representation to my daughters and show them that even when you're not the strongest at something you can still push the boundaries.

I was honoured to receive two MVP rewards in the two Women's World Challenges that I have participated in.  As well as ice hockey, I regularly exercise and complete PT sessions at Go Preforming twice a week which I thoroughly enjoy and helps to maintain my active role within the sport community.

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