1. What made you want to become a rep?
As a child my family lived through the pit strikes in the 1980s. During my working life I have always been part of a union. The FBU gave me an opportunity to use my voice and fight for equality and justice for our members.
2. What is your proudest moment as a rep?
I've been very lucky in the fact that I've had many proud moments as a rep. From building up the LGBT+ committee from scratch in London, to speaking for the first time at conference to unveiling our new banner at Brighton Pride.
3. Who are your ultimate heroes?
My family unit would be up at the top of the list – we’ve stuck together and kept each other strong through life’s trials. Also the heroes and heroines that paved the way for our community, enabling me and others to be themselves – people such as Marsh P Johnson, Allan Horsfall and Lady Phyll.
4. Describe yourself in three words.
Calm, collected and determined.
5. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
As a rep I hope to always have conversations that challenge me or make me see something differently. Having such conversations enables me to better handle certain situations, especially if it is a topic that not everyone agrees with. Not everyone sees things the same way.
6. What’s your favourite band or musician?
Abba. I love any form of music having worked at festivals throughout my years and my play list is an eclectic mix of tunes from jazz to hard metal but Abba will always be in any play list I make.
7. If you weren’t a firefighter, what would you be?
Working in a profession where I could fight for real change and for the good of the people.
8. If you could travel back or forward in time, where and when would you travel to and why?
I’d go back to my younger self to reassure her that everything works out in the end and not to worry. I would like to have seen many things in history; the ancient Greeks debate and create their democracy; seeing the Stonewall riots and how the story unfolded for those involved and the impact it still has today.
