I have been committed to the values of the co-operative movement since joining the Co-op bank in 2002. Raising my three children in Overton in North Hampshire – where we have a large Co-op store, meant that I inevitably became a Southern Co-op member. For 20 years I read the annual reports and thought about joining the board and now the kids have grown, that time is right!

In the past, I lived in Sydney for ten years and ran a successful importing business with my brother. As a start-up, in our early years we literally did everything ourselves – from accounting to marketing as well as lugging the stock around! The experience got me interested in finance and business, and the importance of keeping an eye on the bottom line.

On returning to the UK, I spent 17 years working within Hampshire Hospitals as their patient liaison lead for maternity services. My role was to work with families and the senior leadership team with a focus on service improvements. Hearing the voices of all women was a priority and instigating change was our ambition. I am looking forward to taking this interest and experience in to my role with the Co-op to hear from members. I have been a professional breastfeeding counsellor for 18 years and continue to work with families across north Hampshire, alongside charity partners.

Outside of my professional roles, I have a range of community organisations I volunteer with and support. The project I am most proud of, is leading the fundraising team, to raise sufficient funds to completely renovate our local Overton Community Swimming Pool, with work completed in Spring 2025. For leisure you will find me with family and friends swimming in the community pool, walking locally, at a Parkrun or down at the beach at Hayling Island.