World Mental
Health Day 25

1988 - 2008

Wow, 20 years, it still surprises me now.

Thats how long I'd suffered with mental health problems. My first suicide attempt was when I was 7 years old, and since then between other health problems, severe bullying and being a victim of rape I had suffered with recurring episodes of depression and anxiety. After many sessions with therapists I realised the only way I was going to heal was under my own steam. Enter Mindfulness, the practice that changed my life forever.

201 - 2016

In this year I finally qualified as a Mindfulness Teacher, having benefited so much from the practice and beginning to experience what it was like to live feeling happy for the first time in my life. I wanted to support people like me and set up my own charity to deliver Mindfulness programmes. In 2016 an old back injury from 16 years before reared its head. I was virtually bed ridden at times with the pain. It was at this point I discovered Tai Chi and Qigong, that was such a relief, and because it helped me so much I trained as a teacher in these too.

2019 Onwards

In 2019 I discovered my passion for saving the planet and decided to go vegan, this had amazing benefits, for my body, my soul and helps the planet too. 2020, the year we'll never forget. All my classes were cancelled, it was time to reflect and rethink. I set up Ox Qigong, in a bit of a rush, to be able to keep teaching. It was also the year I rediscovered my passion for exploring the wild places in nature, and in 2022 I qualified as a Mountain Navigator to run hiking and camping groups in those same wild places. That then brings me here, a new resident to the North East where my healing journey continues...