In 2012, I qualified as a lawyer and have since forged a career in sports and entertainment. It was during my four years living and working in Switzerland - the home of outdoor living and adventure – that I felt empowered to achieve things I’d previously considered impossible. From road cycling to triathlon, mountain climbing to skiing, expat life was a series of firsts.

In both my personal and professional encounters with sport, I’ve witnessed the multitude of barriers that exist for women entering the field. True to my legal background, I’m a firm advocate of fairness and equal treatment and passionately believe that sport at every level should be accessible to all. I seek to use the benefit of my experience to help drive sport towards a more level playing field.

EXAMPLES

LOBBYING

We all have the power to create change. During the row campaign I spoke with ultramarathon runner, Sophie Power about Virgin London Marathon not allowing deferrals for good for age and championship places due to pregnancy. At the time, they didn’t have a written policy for such deferrals despite claiming they allowed it. This was a common position across all races at the time.

I took this up with Ironman to see if I could get an alternative big industry player to introduce a policy and set the example. After going through various levels of the board and senior management they agreed, going as far as to share their ideas for input. On my 35th birthday, as I was 800 miles into the row, I received the news that their deferral policy had been published! Thankfully many other events have since followed suit.

YOUTH TALKS

Every child and young person has the right to be active and to have an equal chance to achieve their potential. If children and young people have experiences that feel fun, positive, and give them a sense of confidence, they’re more likely to want to be active in the future.

I’ve visited various schools and events around the country to speak to young people about the myriad benefits of physical activity.

CHARITY SUPPORT

The charity Women in Sport was founded in 1984, and has a track record of success in securing change based on its deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of women and girls at each life stage and its determination to break down stubborn gender inequalities through its work within the sports sector and beyond. Their expert and sector leading insight is driving innovation, their programmes are providing impactful solutions to tackle gender inequalities, and their campaigning is empowering more women and girls to be active.

To date I’ve raised over £33,000 to support their amazing work.