I was influenced by the film Whip It and one of DRG's skaters at the time (Redrum Racer) spent months convincing me to give roller derby a try, so I joined DRG's NSI intake in 2014. I used to enjoy skating when I was younger and stupidly assumed that starting skating again in my 40s would be a doddle (it wasn't!). I can honestly say that roller derby changed my life for the better. It gave me the confidence to try things outside of roller derby that I wouldn't usually try and I became part of a very unique and empowering community.

I started skating at the ripe old age of 39 after relocating to Dorset and discovering I lived round the corner from a roller disco. After a year of disco I heard about DRG and decided to give derby a go. I’ve never been great at team sports - I have 2 left feet and am not the most nimble of people - but as soon as I met the team, I knew I had found my tribe. No matter how rubbish my week has been, when I rock up at training it all melts away and I leave with a grin on my face.

I joined DRG in 2018 after a previous horse riding accident. Derby is the first team sport I’ve ever played and I absolutely love the community spirit within the derby community. Derby truly is for everyone. There is no ideal age, body type, fitness level. Over the years I’ve made many friends over different leagues, I’ve learned to coach and announce. Derby is great!!!