Solicitor in the military claims team, London
After I failed my A-levels, my parents warned me I could not drop out of education unless I got a job. So, at 17, I applied for the Royal Navy Reserves, asked a local supermarket for work – and left education behind. The reserves ignited excitement in me. Sixteen months later, I joined the Royal Navy.
The year 1994 changed me from a young girl into a sailor and prepared me for an ever-changing military career. Basic training was a struggle, but it was not designed to be easy. My first draft on a warship, HMS Invincible, was one of the best experiences of my life. There were new challenges, I met people whom I remain friends with today and saw the world. This draft made me eligible for my first medal, supporting operations in the former Yugoslavia.
My career was going well. In 1999, I welcomed my son into the world. The RN was not as welcoming to mums who wished to continue their careers as it is today. I faced behaviours that made me question whether I could continue. In the main, I had no option but to brush these aside and carry on. I enjoyed my career and the company of my shipmates. Battling to breastfeed was my first hurdle, a battle I took to my MP and won, bringing positive change for serving mothers.
Further deployments took me to places I never thought I would visit. These involved supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and taking part in the rescue of hundreds of British nationals from Beirut.
Being a weapons engineer, I spent most of my days on ship wearing overalls and carrying tools around. Two days at sea were rarely the same. I could be engaged in anything from doing daily checks on communications equipment, rectifying the ship’s television system, firefighting (regularly exercised), to guarding the ship or even doing the dishes.
'For the past nine years, I have volunteered with Plymouth Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. This is part of a national organisation aiming to reduce loneliness in the veteran community'
During my career, I had several injuries. A knee injury following a fall gave persistent issues. Coupled with a long-term back injury, my career was brought to an end in June 2013. I considered how my experiences in the military could play a part in my future career. I applied to study law at university and took advantage of higher education funding. Two years into my degree, I secured my first job in law. That role helped me qualify as a solicitor in 2020. But this only utilised a small part of my military experiences.
There were many times in my military career when I faced disadvantages and bullying. Several times I was told ‘you can’t take legal advice’. I wanted to be the person who shouts from the rooftops, ‘yes you can’!
I loved my job in law but always knew I could do more. I wanted to help change and shape in a positive way how our military personnel are treated. But how?
Bolt Burdon Kemp has encouraged me to have my voice heard. Working alongside a hardworking and experienced team, I focus on all aspects of public affairs and welfare, supporting clients with additional welfare advice, promoting the work of the military claims team, and working to effect positive changes in our armed forces community.
For the past nine years, I have volunteered with Plymouth Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club. This is part of a national organisation aiming to reduce loneliness in the veteran community. These social activities throughout the year give veterans an opportunity to be with other people of similar backgrounds. The camaraderie, sense of belonging and an unspoken bond of trust, come alive when we get together. Working with other organisations, I signpost welfare matters to those more appropriate to assist. Veterans often feel more at ease asking for support in a social arena rather than picking up the phone to make a formal appointment.
More recently, I have become a volunteer with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. This is the principal charity of the Royal Navy. Fundraising events enable the charity to support the Royal Navy community, both serving and retired.
No comments yet