In 2016 I was register blind or SSI (severely sight impaired) after noticing a small patch in my left eye in 2013. The journey to understanding my diagnoses of macular dystrophy was long and hard, and “saw” my sight deteriorate from 20/20 in 2012 to 1/60 in both eyes by 2016. This has been a life changing event, which has seen me battle to continue to try to do everything I’ve always done. I am not the sort of person to sit back and let things happen, and have proven my resilience and determination by climbing for Team GB and fighting my way to be the UK #1, and world #2 in my category B2.

I have climbed for many years now, but previously only as a hobby. However the loss of my sight has given me the opportunity to represent my country on the GB Paraclimbing Team, and has seen my hobby turn into a serious vision to be the UK and World Number 1, training everyday, and going from strength to strength.

 I first competed in the BMC Paraclimbing Series in 2017, where I came 3rd overall. I was invited to attend the GB selection event in Feb 2018, where I out performed everyone and was selected to join the team, competing in the visually impaired B2 category.

When my sight started to deteriorate, climbing was the one thing I was concerned I would be unable to continue with, every year I would say” this might be my last climbing trip”, but I have been determined to continue with what I love. Climbing allowed me to still feel in control, while everything around me wasn’t, and continues to be my passion, helping me to deal with my sight loss, and still feel like I can achieve my goals.

Since joining the team, I have been coached privately by Jamie Vardy of Apex Climbing Coaching, and have seen my abilities improve drastically, helping me to achieve several international podiums. I am working hard to continue to improve and achieve world podiums in the future