I was born and raised in rural Lincolnshire, the eldest of four daughters. After school I went to Exeter
University to study European Law, with a Diplome de Droit Prive at the Universite d’Aix-Marseille III. During this time I discovered that I wasn’t really cut out to be a lawyer, so followed this with a Masters in European Social Policy at the University of Bath, with a study sejour in Brussels.

My European interests didn’t come to fruition, however, although when I secured my first role in local government I probably didn’t think I would be there for 20 years! I was retired from my last secular post on ill-health grounds in 2013 after 3 years of significant illness and disability.

I came to faith in 2011, quite out of the blue, in a totally transformative experience. After serving for some time as an authorised lay minister, I began pre-ordination study at the Lincoln School of Theology in 2016, becoming one of their longest-standing students, undertaking a Masters in Theology, Ministry and Mission during my curacy. After my curacy in the Diocese of Lincoln, I took my first incumbency post in Ashford Town Parish, as Team Vicar with special responsibility for ministry to lowest income communities.

When I saw the advert for the role in the Pas-de-Calais, having spent time here on placement before ordination, I felt a strong call to return. And here I am, with my dog, cat, piano and campervan!

I enjoy the freedom of the House-for-Duty role, which gives me time to explore my other interests, including researching and writing – and travelling around France, of course. It is wonderful to minister to and alongside such a faithful and diverse group of people, in such a beautiful region, and as God calls us into whatever lies ahead I shall continue to be thankful for our fellowship and faithfulness.