I was born in 1976, I got my first tan that Summer, as I sunbathed in a white terrys nappy. I am one of three girls. Me being the eldest, then Catherine four years later, then along came Hannah, twenty years later. My dad gets a bit left out when we’re all together, as he’s just not as funny as we are, or as funny as we ‘think’ we are.
I was brought up in Bolton and went to St Ethelberts Primary School and then onto Mount Saint Josephs Secondary School. I was taught by many nuns!
I was sh*te at English and I still am, but now I have Google!
I played the clarinet for about a year but then sold it for a pair of shell suit pants. I looked the dogs…
I went to sixth form as that was what was expected of me. I stayed six months then got a job in an office. I needed holidays, cars and clothes. My £60 a week wage went a long way. I had no idea what I wanted to do, so went to night school, which comprised of handing in a couple of assignments about business and marketing and then spending the other evenings in the pub.
At twenty three years old I decided I needed job security so looked at which jobs could offer me that. The Police force stood out, so I applied and was accepted in August ’99. I started to work ‘the streets’ in the city centre of Manchester, where I was a very naïve twenty-three year old. I grew up fast!
I went on to become a detective, which I still am, twenty one years later.
In 2008 I met my husband, Adam, I knew he was ‘the one’ on our first date. I didn’t tell Adam about this until further down the line.
We moved in together within six months. We got married, had three boys Ted and Albie, our middle son, Dusty was born asleep.
Our lives are pretty normal.
I am very honest to people about my struggles in life. I like to be real.
My interests include wasting time on social media, dieting for three week durations, repeating week three of couch to 5K every month and procrastinating.
Initially after having children I thought I was failing at motherhood, if only I had read a book like mine at the time. I felt like I had been hit round the head with a cricket bat and it was only when I started to tell people this that I realised everyone felt the same.
I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason, you meet people in your life for a reason nothing is a coincidence. Even the bad sh*t! And believe me I have had my dose of this. I don’t feel sorry for myself as everyone has their own struggles, it’s just I choose to talk about mine, as that’s what helps me, and hopefully others too.
Since writing my book I have had so many messages from people telling me that my book has helped them and that’s amazing. The more people it can help the better, and then we may become a nation of ‘real’ people. Ok maybe I’m over selling myself a bit there, but even if it helps a handful of people that’s amazing in my eyes.
My Fave Charities
Pregnancy can be one of the most wondrous experiences for a woman. Many women bond with their babies early on in pregnancy, especially when they feel the baby’s first movements and their own bodies begin to show the first signs of the life inside of them. When a woman loses a baby during pregnancy and around the time of birth it can be a very traumatic experience for her, her partner and others close to them.
SiMBA has been supported in its fundraising efforts by many individuals, organisations and businesses. The families who have suffered the loss of a baby have been instrumental in their support and SiMBA endeavour to be ‘reactive’ to their needs. SiMBA was founded by a team of dedicated individuals in October 2005 in response to the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to the time of birth. SiMBA was officially registered as a Scottish Charity in 2007.
Using our network of the most respected experts in the field, we provide solutions to address these impacts effectively. NACoA envisions a world in which no child who struggles because of family addiction will be left unsupported.
If you are dealing with a parent who abuses alcohol or drugs — or have a relative or friend who does — we’re here to help. NACoA offers resources for everyone, including providing support for professionals with tools and training in order to better support individuals in pain due to alcohol and drug dependency in their families. We offer a variety of programs and products uniquely designed to offer support and assist you at home or in the workplace.
My Awards
Finalist 2020 – She Inspire Awards – Her Abilities Category
Finalist 2020 – Bolton Health and Wellbeing Award – Lifetime Achievement Award in Health & Wellbeing
20 years – Good Conduct and Long Service Medal in the Police Force. (I know, not author/ writing related, but I don’t think I’ll ever get another medal. So, I’m listing it!)