I have been resident in and around Northamptonshire since 1969, living within the Borough since around 1989. I was educated in Daventry and later at Nene College where I joined the SDP/Liberal Alliance society.

I was employed first at Primark and then for over 20 years at CIS Insurance claims office in Rugby where I was a team leader and trainer in my later years. I particularly enjoyed claims handling roles where I could help people and give advice to them at times of trouble, and I enjoyed working under the co-operative ethos together with the strong ethical stance the CIS and latterly CFS took.

I was elected to the role of Union rep in 2000 and became an active member of the National Negotiating Committee for pay and conditions as well as a member of the Claims Reorganisation Committee, involved in negotiations for the best deal for staff during the closure of 14 offices.

I have been a fundraiser for both a local supporters club and for the short lived Northamptonshire Branch of the Tall Ships Youth Trust, an organisation involved in sailing adventures and voyages with young people of all backgrounds. I have sailed with them myself as a watch leader in the voluntary crew.