MADEIRA 2025 European Masters High Jump Championships

Hi, I am very lucky to be a devoted mum to six crazy kids!

When my youngest was nine months old, I got myself back into fitness and had a go at the high jump after a 25 year break.

I won the v40 UK High Jump Champs in 2021 and was ranked 7th in the World!

To say I was shocked was an understatement but I was also incredibly excited!

Weeks later, I had a full 3rd degree tear of my right soleus muscle. I was told by the consultant that I would never High Jump again. At that moment I knew I would MOST DEFINITELY High Jump again!! His pessimism inspired me to prove him wrong. I embrace challenges like children embrace chocolate! With open arms and a big smile!

I have coached my beloved high jump for eight years at Gateshead Harriers, they have been a wonderfully supportive club recently and when I competed for them as a teenager in the 90's. At that time, I was winning the English Schools, the GB U20 Champs and being honoured to represent England, Scotland and Great Britain at various internationals. Now I am ready to go International again with them!

I am a single mum with full time job, I am doing all my training and coaching while bringing up my kids myself and coaching others. I love my life! I have a wonderful gym to train at most mornings and I am slowly reaching out and making contacts in the High Jump world to support the more specific training and technical aspects of jumping. Dalton Grant sent me some sprints tips this week and incredibly I got to the auditions for Gladiators this year too. Who on earth knows where this journey will take me. But one step at a time.

On the day of the competition, October 16th 2025, I will turn 45, making me the oldest competitor in my age group. I never shy away from a challenge. I would really like my son Ben to come with me to Madeira. I am looking for some support with flights, accommodation, and naturally at my age, some physio would be of huge benefit. If for any reason I do not make it to Madeira then everything I raise will go towards the World Masters Athletics Championships next summer in Korea 2026!

I hope I am still High Jumping when I am 100, setting records, inspiring others to take part and just keeping the bar high in life. Thank you for reading my story and please only donate if you can.