Raised in Hampshire, one of eight children, I consider it my home county. My family moved to Somerset when I was 14 but I have lived in Devon for most of my adult life. My father died 25 years ago and within the last four years I have lost a brother and sister, all major events that shape our lives.

I started out as an auxiliary nurse in mental health, moving on to work as a carer in nursing homes. This suited me while I raised my three sons after splitting from their father, but once they grew up and moved away, I decided to diversify and studied for a chiropody qualification.

I now have my own business which keeps me busy, but I still try to find time for writing the occasional bit of poetry.

I don’t recall when I wrote my first poem but poems are often triggered by personal events and the need to get it down on paper, a release of sorts, for some it would be keeping a diary, for me it’s poetry.