Aged 59, I set myself a challenge: to deadlift my own body weight on my 60th birthday.

It felt significant — not just physically, but mentally too. A quiet line in the sand. A way of proving to myself that strength, progress, and ambition don’t have an expiry date.

I reached that goal earlier than expected.

And on my 60th birthday, I lifted 100kg, one and a quarter times my body weight (you can do the maths!)

What started as a personal challenge quickly became something much bigger.

Now, at 61, I’ve been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Bench Press Championships in Poland (May) and England at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg (September).

It’s an incredible honour — and one I’m deeply proud of.

Alongside training, I run my own business as a full-time maths tutor and coach. Like many athletes in this sport, everything is self-funded, which means covering flights, accommodation, entry fees, food, and competition-related costs.

I’m aiming to raise £1,000–£1,500 to help make this journey possible. My first goal is to raise £500, which will go directly towards getting me to Poland for the World Championships in May.

Reaching this milestone would cover a significant portion of my travel costs and get me one big step closer to competing on the international stage.

If you’re able to contribute, I would be hugely grateful. And if not, sharing this page with others would mean just as much.

Because this isn’t only about competing.

It’s about showing that it’s never too late to start something new.

That strength can be built at any stage of life.

And that women in midlife and beyond are capable of far more than we’re often led to believe.

Strength training has had a profoundly positive impact on my physical and mental wellbeing, and I care deeply about encouraging more women to experience those benefits for themselves.

Thank you for being part of this journey — in whatever way you can.

Dee