As an army mental health nurse, I completed 4 Operational tours, but was injured and then discharged with Multiple Sclerosis. It was a very dark time for me, I felt I was no use anymore. After a long hard look at myself I concluded I was not a quitter and accepted an invitation to the Warrior Games in USA to compete in the swimming. What a life changer for me! I watched someone who had lost limbs during an explosion in Afghanistan swim 50m and win. This was the kick I needed, I trained in the pool regularly and got a shot and discus to train for athletics in my Dad's back garden. I got better and started smashing the flower pots at the other end of his garden.

After the trials, I was selected as the only female team captain of the 12 sports in the first Invictus Games. Prince Harry was inspirational and has since changed serving & veteran lives throughout the world with his insight into what sport can do for physically and mentally injured people, including myself. I trained hard, won gold & 3 bronze in the Olympic pool as well as 2 bronze medals in athletics.

Then aged 53, Para badminton took a hold of me!
March 2017 was my first international competition in Spain, Since then I have competed all over the world, managing to medal in 10 out of 11 internationals. At present I am 4th in the world in my classification and 2nd in Europe.

There's no funding for Para badminton in the UK and I have to pay for flights, entry fees, accommodation, food, medical support and clothing. I have contacted over 170 charities & companies only gaining support from 2 charities & Crombies Butchers (buy Mary's Smashers to support me). I have spent over £18,000 of my War Pension. I am a serious contender for the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020 so I'm desperate to train & compete internationally in an attempt to be selected for the GB Team.

I cannot work due to my illness and my income is very limited so any amount of money you could give would go towards my dream of getting to Tokyo.