Born in Belfast but now lives on the Antrim Coast overlooking the sea.

Studied in Edinburgh, Manchester and London. My working career started in Manchester where I worked in the voluntary sector with young offenders. I then moved back to Belfast to become research officer for the Equal opportunities Commission, soon to return to the justice system to provide services for offenders.

I increasingly became active in the community and moved into community development to work in housing, and education in London, Wales, and finally the age sector, when I became director of Engage with Age in Belfast.

When I retired in 2016, I ran a bed and breakfast at my home in Ballygally which was a completely new experience, enjoyable but hard work.

I now enjoy my time walking, singing in a choir in Belfast, attending classes in History and Literature, exercise groups, and visiting my family in Wales and England.