I became a midwife in Edinburgh (1987). I practised in all areas of midwifery in the UK and experienced two exceptional years in Botswana. I gained my MMedSci in 1999 and completed a PGCEA in 2001. From 2000 to 2008 as a consultant midwife, I led on developing birth centres, believing in a social model of care for women and a home/base for midwifery. Until 2012 I held a joint role as Head of midwifery and consultant midwife. I completed my PhD in 2016. I have a supportive husband, two sons, two grandchildren and lovely dog called Max whom I love walking with in the fields and Wolds of Lincolnshire.