I have played rugby from the age of 14. I represented my school where we beat every girls school team based in Scotland - that's how I became hooked on playing rugby.

When I moved back to England, I played with Lakenham-Hewett Ladies (based near Norwich in Norfolk) for 2 years before going into the Army where I represented my Corps and Army in rugby Competitions. During this time, I also played for various home town clubs.

After 13 years in the Army, I came back to Norwich and back to Lakenham-Hewett Ladies where I have enjoyed playing rugby ever since. Earlier this season, I suffered a double knee dislocation with lateral collateral ligament broken, medial meniscus tear, lateral radial meniscus tear & lateral flap meniscus tear. I required an ACL rebuild & bone graft too.

I thought I would be able to handle this injury but once work knew, I lost my job. Being someone who is so active, it affects your mind. It's hard to stay positive when you can't even do simple tasks for yourself. You lose your identity and my identity was Miss Independent who worked hard and played hard.

It will take about 18 months if all goes to plan to be up and running but the affects will be chronic arthritis when I'm older. Unfortunately, the severity of my injury has put an end to my rugby career; a sport which I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for the past 22 years.