A skiing accident, falling out of a tree and getting run over while riding a bicycle. They didn’t happen on the same day thankfully, but any could’ve caused the spinal fracture that I live with today.
The pain, the high doses of painkillers to counteract it, and the impact on my previously very active lifestyle have all had consequences for my mental health.
In many ways, the biggest battle of all has been convincing myself that I’m still worthy and that there’s lots to live for. My disability doesn’t define who I am – I am bigger and stronger than that. Things have changed recently, and you could say that cricket saved me – it certainly gave me other things to think about and to focus on.
Don’t get me wrong, being in pain and facing uncertainty does not put you in a great frame of mind. But knowing you are wanted in a team and have something to contribute makes a world of difference. It gives you purpose.
I currently work full-time at a secondary school – Lord William’s, in Thame – and I’m very fortunate in how accommodating and supportive they’ve been, especially during Covid – my lung disease means that I’m particularly susceptible to the virus and its effects. I’m a key skills teacher for half of the week, and a sports technician for the other half, making sure all the sports pitches are properly marked and prepared for play.
I fell into cricket completely by accident. I was at Amersham and Chiltern Rugby Club, watching my son play, and found myself chatting with the Chair, who mentioned that Chesham Cricket Club had just started a women’s team and suggested I take a look. I missed playing sport and was bored with just being a spectator. I was interested, but apprehensive. I didn’t know much about cricket and hadn’t played while growing up.
A couple of weeks later, I plucked up the courage to attend a training session. I was hooked and, as they say, ‘the rest is history’. I took to cricket like a duck to water. I scored 39 in my first game and within a few short weeks, found myself training with the county squad.
I’ve been so lucky. I’ve played cricket on five different continents. I’ve captained clubs, county, and other representative sides. I’ve played at Lord’s, scoring 63, and played for England in the Indoor World Cup. Opportunities can come your way if you keep working hard.
What I like most is being part of something bigger. I love being part of a team and watching people achieve their best, however big or small that might be. Captaining Middlesex 2nd D40 team and coaching and watching others feel good when they play makes me feel good.
Being part of the first ever Disability Premier League was amazing and being the first female player was extra special. But all the men treated me as just another player, they made me feel part of the Hawks and supported me every step of the way.
I’m hoping, as things move forward, that everyone learns from our experiences. It’s not just about cricket – it’s about people, gender, and diversity within our society, and how the DPL has brought awareness and educated people about these issues.
Alongside the DPL, I also captained the the first ever female DPL exhibition match which was a great honour. Many of us are hoping that this really takes off in 2023, so that we can showcase what we all can do. I’ve already heard many women talking about it and players are emerging from across the country. To get a dedicated women’s DPL would be an incredible moment for us.
It's great that there are so many more opportunities available to young women and girls in the game. Sport can create a strong sense of achievement and purpose for anyone, perhaps more so for those with disabilities. It’s important to show women with disabilities that they can take part, make friends, and achieve. Many people have begun to realise how inclusive cricket is and to appreciate that, no matter what, we have a place for them. So, give it a go – back yourself. Who knows where it might take you? I certainly wouldn’t have guessed my journey would have panned out like this.
To find out more about the Disability Cricket, click here.