I started my first ever job when I was 16, in Tunbridge Wells in Kent where my mum worked. I stayed there until I was 19 learning all about the optical trade.

I was offered a job with better prospects, and closer to home doing the same thing. After a couple, I started to feel ill myself and was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis. I was very ill for a long time, losing so much weight. I think I was about 6 stone then. I was put on a high dosage of steroids to help and the weight began to go back on, but with horrendous side effects in the process.

After about 5 months I was allowed to go back to work, and fell pregnant which led to me having an ectopic pregnancy. It was very touch and go as the fallopian tube had ruptured. I was rushed into the local hospital and was operated on straight away. They removed the damaged tube and I was put into a side ward to recover after, where I woke to hear this voice asking me if I smoked.. "Wanna fag?" (we were allowed to in those days).