It was my brother, Simon, who introduced me to running. I had always faired reasonably well at the school cross country races but when Simon started to take running more seriously I thought it would be a good idea if I joined him. Initially I seemed to struggle as Simon started to claim England International vests on the fells but I stuck to my training and it seemed to pay off. I was crowned English and British junior fell champion for 3 consecutive years and this lead to selection to represent England both at junior level and senior level, whilst still been under 20, on numerous occasions. I competed at the World junior mountain running championships on three occasions; my most successful event was in Borneo where I won a bronze medal. I have also represent Great Britain on two occasions – once on the mountains and the other at 3000m on an indoor track – not really sure where that one came from!! Unfortunately my running was put to a halt when I started my university studies to become a veterinary surgeon in 2000. Within a couple of months from the start of term I had started with reactive arthritis which consequently led to numerous joints becoming extremely inflamed. It took many months for me to fully recover from the condition and unfortunately I felt that I had lost a lot of the fitness I gained in the previous years. I still had a love for running but my studies took up a lot of my time so a combination of biking at non competitive running kept me fairly fit.

Since qualifying as a vet I have slowly got back into competitive running, mainly in the last couple of years. This, up to now, has primarily been on the fells. It was only this March that I decided to give my first ultra race, Wuthering Hike, a go. It appeared to be a good decision as I won the ladies race and really enjoyed the whole experience. My plans for this year are to complete four or five races in the ultra series and to squeeze in some
races from the fell calendar.

Spare time never seems to exist as I always seem to be busy doing something energetic! Apart from running I really enjoy doing other outdoor pursuits with my partner Geraint. We are just about to complete the Wainwright hills and the all the 2000ft mountains in Wales, then I reckon we’ll move onto the Munros. We also enjoy canoeing and kayaking. This is quite a recent pursuit for me so still plenty to learn. Most of our holidays are spent on expeditions, cycling coast to coast then back along Hadrian way, canoeing across Scotland, river trips and long distance challenges such as crossing Wales in a day, GR20 in Corsica, Pembrokeshire coastal path to name just a few.

In the day I am a large animal Veterinary Surgeon. This primarily involves working with dairy cattle although I do treat anything from horses to dogs to reptiles! Every day is different and often throws challenges my way. I really enjoy working with the clients and animals and having the opportunity to work out and about in my community.

My plans for this year are to do well in the ultra series and the other fell races I choice to do. I would also like over the next couple of years to complete a Bob Graham and a Meirionydd round would be fantastic. My first job was in west Wales so I have a real love for the mountain ranges in the Meirionydd area. I also want to continue to enjoy my running. After being injured I really appreciate just been able to run. It allows me to relax and running on the mountains gives me a real sense of freedom.