I have always had a great interest in the medical world and physiotherapy was the right combination of interaction with people, knowledge and hands on work. I qualified in 1992 in the Netherlands and moved to Yorkshire in 1993 for a 2 year period but never left.
Rehabilitation and especially neurological rehabilitation has always been my passion due to the long-term involvement with people, the psychology and challenges it throws.
It has great rewards to help someone to walk again or help them to discover that they still can move and are in control of their body and see their confidence and enjoyment in life grow. After all these years in the job I still get excited when patients achieve goals we have set together. For example, Colin initially wanted to walk to the back of the garden to see the pear tree in blossom, since then he has been on a holiday to Spain and on a cruise!
I have worked for a large part in the NHS in different places on the wards, rehabilitation unit and in the community. I have been a team leader on the stroke unit and joined Ilkley Physiotherapy in 2010 and try to combine 3 children with work.
I love going for walks, cycle when the weather is nice and regular run for fitness. I love to travel and discover new places, local and further afield and enjoy a bit of a challenge like climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis.