I always wanted to be a physiotherapist. My mum was a physio helper in the 70’s so it was always something I knew about. It always seemed like the perfect job for me, a mix of physical, personal and medical! I qualified from Pinderfields College of Physiotherapy in 1990.
I love both problem solving and getting to know people and their story, and it is these 2 things that drive my passion for neurological rehabilitation. You can’t beat the feeling of helping someone walk for the first time post accident, or seeing the look on their faces when they use their hand again after a stroke. For example, Katie had never used her right hand due to her cerebral Palsy, so it has been very emotional to watch her gain function in that hand after 21 years of calling her hand, Mabel!! And..Sam hadn’t walked in 5years since his illness, so to see him walk again without us holding or moving his legs for him was amazing!
My husband and I started Ilkley Physiotherapy in 2003 after moving to Ilkley. I had previously worked in the NHS in general medical wards, in out- patient departments and in Learning Disabilities for several years. I then worked in several community teams and stroke units before setting up physiotherapy services in a Head Injury rehabilitation unit. However, I realised that it was the community work that I had enjoyed the most, hence the basis of Ilkley Physiotherapy. Since then we’ve had 2 children, finished Post Graduate Qualifications, moved house and employed several other physios and support staff.
I have always been a runner, since the age of 13 when I ran for Birchfield Harriers during my teens. When we moved to Ilkley I joined Ilkley Harriers and became Ladies Road Captain and then had the honour of being the first female to Chair Ilkley Harriers. I am also a qualified running coach and coach children and adults on a weekly basis.
To relax, I love a good murder/mystery either book or on T.V with an accompanying glass! Or we walk on the moor as a family, if they’re not moaning too much!