As a keynote speaker, activist, and charity founder, I bring a unique combination of lived experience, grit, and storytelling to every audience I meet. My talks focus on the transformative power of saying yes, the courage to face adversity, embracing fear, and inspiring others to step boldly beyond the ordinary. I speak candidly, with humour and honesty — and, I’m told, inspiration — about what it means to live life on your own terms, challenge limits, and refuse to be defined by age, illness, or setbacks.

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I’m no stranger to hardship — from bereavement to illness, and the quiet battles many never see. After running the London Marathon in 2016 — a challenge I found miserable every step of the way — I was left in debilitating pain, later diagnosed as Fibromyalgia: a chronic condition that causes widespread nerve pain and relentless fatigue. But I chose not to let it define me. With rehabilitation, strength training, Pilates, and a fair bit of pig-headed determination, I fought back. In 2017, I joined my local open water swimming club — and the water became my sanctuary.

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Growing up in Henley-on-Thames, the river was always part of my life — I even loved the smell (although, less so these days!). That first swim rekindled a deep connection, and sparked what would become a full-blown obsession with ultra-distance swimming. I taught myself front crawl, trained relentlessly, and have now spent thousands of hours immersed in the elements. In August 2023, I completed a solo English Channel crossing. In June 2024, I swam around Manhattan Island. These are two of my proudest accomplishments — and I’m not done yet. I’m now on track to complete the triple crown of marathon swims in September with the Catalina Channel, L.A, then onto the Oceans Seven challenge, and, if all goes to plan, hope to become the first British woman to achieve it.

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Alongside this, I’m a professional violinist and lifelong champion for music education. I founded Henley Music School nearly 20 years ago to provide inclusive music learning opportunities for all. I'm also the founder and CEO of Friends of the Thames, a charity campaigning for clean, safe, and protected waterways, and have recently taken on the restoration of a historic community hub building in Henley.

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Much of what I do today grew from unexpected places: loss, pain, or a deep sense that things had to change. Whether it’s diving into freezing rivers, standing up to polluters, or inspiring a room full of people to be braver than they believe they are — I believe in leading by example.

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If I can help just one person say “yes” to something they never thought possible, then that’s a talk worth giving.