I completed my secondary education in 2000 and have since resided in Hucknall for the past decade, after living in various locations across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. After completing school, I initially pursued A Levels in English literature, psychology, and sociology at New College. However, after a year, I decided to switch to West Nottinghamshire College, where I earned a BTEC National Diploma in Fashion and Textiles.
Following that, I sought opportunities in the fashion industry, starting in an entry-level position in a warehouse. Over the years, I advanced in my career and ultimately became a qualified garment technologist at Crystal Martin International (formerly Albert Martin). I spent 15 years with the company, where my responsibilities included creating production tech packs, attending fit meetings in London, and conducting factory visits in Morocco and Bangladesh.
In 2018, I faced redundancy and subsequently worked briefly for another company in Leicester before establishing my own commercial cleaning business. However, I realised that this venture was not aligned with my interests, so my husband now manages the business.
In 2020, I discovered my passion for working with people and joined NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals as part of the Bank (temporary) staff in the administration team of the vaccination programme. I quickly advanced to a permanent role with Nottingham University Hospitals, where I now serve as the service manager for the Nottingham Diabetic Eye Screening Programme. In this capacity, I manage performance data, oversee service budgets, handle staff management, and coordinate patient and clinic operations. I find the diversity and challenges of each day both rewarding and fulfilling.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy walking, open-water swimming, and wild swimming. I also own a camper van, which I use to explore various gigs and festivals. I would welcome the opportunity to engage with The Holgate Academy, as I have fond memories of my time there, including participating in the school production of Grease, for which I still have the programme.
I remember the teachers who contributed to my education, including Mrs Furness, who nurtured my love for fashion and directed the early days of my career, and Miss Ince, who oversaw the production of Grease. I also remember Mrs Redfern, Mrs Owen, Mr Martin, Miss Higgins, Mr Stobbs, and Mrs Horton, whom I was lucky enough to reconnect with a couple of years ago when she volunteered for the vaccination programme (and I still called her Miss!).
I remember wonderful school trips and the school camp to Pooley Bridge in the Lake District—walking, climbing, and just being outdoors. It completely contributed to my love of the outdoors today. Fabulous school discos (no proms in our day!) and just the little things, like our lunchtime walk on Fridays to the local fish and chips shop.
My school days were my happy days, the years just before everything got hard and you had to adult!
Thank you, The Holgate Academy!
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Made at Holgate
Please visit our dedicated alumni page, Made at Holgate, for more inspiring stories and experiences from our former students, and to learn how you can become part of our unique network.
