1. What made you want to become a rep?
The current rep left the service, and control were heading into the biggest fight Essex control has seen. I had only been in the service a couple of years, but I have always been one to stand up for what is right, and taking on the role just felt right. It was a bit daunting to begin with, but seeing the strength of the branch gave me full confidence.
2. What is your proudest moment as a rep?
The most proud moment for me as a rep was when the mighty Essex control branch took strike action in 2015 after service leaders dismissed any kind of negotiation, and tried to take away our terms and conditions. The branch took the strike to the next level and carried out nine full days of strike action which got us a mention by then TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady and a standing ovation at the Women’s TUC, a very proud moment. Oh, and we won our terms and conditions back!
3. Who are your ultimate heroes?
My heroes are the people in my life and beyond that have had the courage to make a stand against something that is unjust. There’s a lot to learn from being around people who aren’t afraid to challenge. You may not achieve the outcome you want, but at least you can say you’ve tried. It takes a lot of courage and determination to stand out from the crowd.
4. Describe yourself in three words
Kind, honest, open-minded
5. What was the last conversation you had that made you think differently about something?
A recent conversation taught me that, regardless of a person’s bad attitude or behaviour towards you, always be yourself and don’t lower your standards to treat them like they are treating you. You can’t change the way someone is, but you are in control of how you react to it. Being kind doesn’t cost a thing.
6. Which TV show could you not live without? What’s your favourite band or musician?
Bit of a boring answer, but I don’t watch an awful lot of TV. I’ll always tune into a good drama, and my most recent favourite show by far has to be Bridgerton. As for music, I love a bit of cheesy pop, 80s and all things ABBA. I recently visited the ABBA museum in Stockholm with my daughter.
7. If you weren’t a firefighter, what would you be?
I really like the thought of being a midwife if I didn’t work in control. I’d enjoy meeting different people and helping them through their journey.
8. If you could travel back or forward in time, where and when would you travel to and why?
If I had the chance I would love to go back to a time when my Nan remembers me before suffering with dementia for many years. It was a sad day when I realised she had forgotten who I am.
