Your Durham Inspiration

Do you remember why you first chose to study at Durham?

One of the best places for theology and I loved the city.

Tell us about any sports, societies or clubs you were involved in at Durham.

College - football, basketball, cricket
Uni - football and cricket 1st team
DICCU
Christians in Sport
Debating Society

What work or moment were you were most proud of at Durham?

My degree and representing the uni at sport. I also represented north east universities at football.

Becoming Vice-President of of the athletics union and organised all inter-university sports fixtures for my term of office.

What are your fondest memories from your time here?

Friendships.

Waking along the river and looking at the cathedral on the way to lectures.

Receiving my 1/2 colours from Kevin Keegan, watching Newcastle United training and Durham CCC beginning life as a first class county on our grounds.

As club captain, I played centre half and we were struggling for a goalkeeper. As captain, I gave it a go and found my best position. My background playing basketball probably helped. I didn’t have a shirt and was given one from Newcastle United which belonged to Pavel Srnicek. It was a little bit big but it lasted until we could buy one!

As a 11 year old I was told to stop playing football as it was a boys game. I had to go and find another sport, mainly hockey & basketball. When I arrived on Durham the women’s game was just developing and I had the opportunity to play the sport I love. Thankfully things have moved on a lot from there!

How has Durham inspired you to get to where you are today?

It is an inspirational place, it has given me opportunities and opened doors. St Hild is a particular hero of mine having been a women who trained men & women together, sending them into mission in the north. Durham has also helped connect me to Celtic spirituality

What have you been up to since you left Durham?

I have been a teacher for 20 years and I am now ordained clergy in the Church of England. The first women were ordained and trained during my time there. I am also a sports chaplain. I now spend most of my time taking my son to various sporting events.

What are you doing that is most meaningful to you now?

Being a minister in the church working closely with the community and being a mum.

Is there anything from Durham that has stayed with you and still inspires you now?

See St Hild above. I also find the cathedral a very spiritual and inspiring place. When you walk in there is a sense of awe.

Personal interests

Mainly sports.

What would be your top piece of advice for current students and/or recent graduates?

Enjoy every moment take opportunities presented and try different clubs/societies. I tried cricket and ending up representing the uni. Don’t take for granted what a wonderful privilege it is to live and study at Durham.