I didn't have a great start in life, with parents who failed to meet any of my emotional, psychological, physical and developmental needs, experiencing abuse and neglect that has stayed with me until this day. I remember around the age of 5 making a conscious decision; I was NOT going to be like either of them, and instead wanted to be like my grandma. She was, and still is my inspiration to this day.

Following my parents divorce, the abuse became more intense, and what made it worse was being parted from the one person in the world who loved and cared for me. Now, not only was I facing abuse at home, but I was facing abuse outside of the home, leaving me with no where to go, no where to turn, so I had no choice but to escape into my head and endure what was going on. I don't know how I survived, and can only think it was the thought of being reunited with my grandma one day.

I left home when I was 15, trying to continue my education and get some qualifications. I managed to get my GCSE's but when I found I needed more money than the £2 an hour job I had was providing, I had to leave school and get a job. I didn't have the chance to go to university, something that was my dream.

Now, I have funded myself, soon to qualify as a counsellor, and I volunteer my time in the community, outside of work, helping individuals who have suffered domestic violence, and trauma (something I have experienced since birth), and something I am passionate about. I would like to continue my education, and obtain a MSc, so I can become a registered member of UKCP, and so I can specialise in working with children and young people who have suffered abuse, attachment difficulties and developmental trauma.

My aim is to continue to volunteer outside work. I hope to make a difference in my local area. I feel if I can just make a difference to one person, by helping them and giving them the support I never had but so desperately needed, then all I experienced was worth while.