WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BE A SWIMQUEST GUIDE?

I used to swim competitively when I was young, and taught from my late teens onwards, so I’ve always loved the water. In 2015 my best friend that I swam with when I was young, was tragically killed in a car accident and a memorial open water swim took place for her, and this is where I bought my first wetsuit and discovered the magic of the open water. I loved it! The emotion behind it, the community spirit, and reasons why people swam outdoors touched me so much. It also helped me heal and work through grief.
I entered every competition i could – in lakes, sea, rivers. And travelled the country competing. I later moved to the French Alps in 2018 where I connected with being outside even more and wanted to somehow find a way to be in the open water whilst helping people to achieve and share the epic feelings it brings. SwimQuest came up in my search and YES! This was it! John and Alice made me feel so welcome, and after my first guide experience I knew that swim guiding with SwimQuest and me, were the perfect match.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE SWIM?

I’ve experienced the most stunning clear waters of my most magical place, Marthraki, many times! But last year in 2024, I got to experience what it was like to be a guest, and on one of the swims a turtle joined us! That little guy will always stick in my mind, so magical! A very close second is the incredible once in a lifetime of swimming with a pod of dolphins in Egypt too. They came so close, put on a show for us. It was mind blowing! I’d do that again in a heart beat.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?

On a swimming note, completing the Dart 10km, in an amazing time, when the furthest I’d swam was 4km before! Since then I’ve swam around Mathraki twice, and have eyes on much further distances.  Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone gives you such a boost to keep challenging yourself.
On a personal note, going through cancer treatment, getting the all clear just 3 months later and getting straight back out in the water. If anything is going to hold you, help you and heal you, it’s the water. I’m proud of my body’s achievement to heal so it can get back to doing what it loves.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OPEN WATER?

I have the upmost respect for the water. Its a powerful force, especially the ocean. But it will also support and help you in the most powerful ways, if you work with it. I have a deep love for the ocean, and trust it fully. This winter I fell in love with cold water swimming, and the healing powers I experienced were out of this world. It brings community together, collective healing, and so much joy.

It is safe to say I LOVE IT.

WHICH SWIMQUEST LOCATIONS HAVE YOU GUIDED? WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT THEM?

My magical Mathraki has my heart, always. The simplistic life, no distractions, pure clear oceans, and the food make your stresses just disappear. And the people… you feel like you’re home the minute you arrive.
I’ve also guided at Club La Santa in Lanzarote, Egypt, Annecy, Formentera, Scotland, and the Scilly Isles. Every tour has its own unique magic. Club La Santa is my favourite sporting playground; Egypt blew me away by the vast blue ocean teaming with life, and incredible food on board the boat;
I love Annecy for the joy of helping swimmers achieve huge goals; Formentera is just so laid back and dreamy. Everything is there for you, and the water is so clear; Scotland is just stunning! It’s an opportunity to really immersive in nature and make such amazing friends whilst being fed the best meals. The Isles of Scilly are like a tropical paradise. I could talk for days on how each tour has its own unique draw …

WHAT ARE YOUR SWIM PLANS / GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR?

I’m planning on some big distances for 2026. So the training begins …
I have goals to compete in more Winter Swimming Champs now I’m addicted to the chill!
I’m also planning on joining a masters squad to be a part of another swimming community and get my muscles really working again. I’m excited to compete more, and also utilise my yoga and PT skills to help more swimmers, and build up my strength and flexibility.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 3 WORDS

• Fun
• Supportive
• Happy!

SKINS OR WETSUIT?

I can’t belive I’m saying this now after years of not loving the cold but…. skins!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE LOOKING TO BOOK A SWIMQUEST HOLIDAY OR EVENT?

You are a million percent good enough, fit enough, capable, and ready! You won’t regret it! Just go for it. SwimQuest cater for everyone, and I guarantee you’ll achieve more than you ever imagined. And make the best of friends while doing it. If you’re in any doubt, just chat to Alice or John. You’re in the best hands.

DO YOU HAVE A LIFE MOTTO?

I have quite a few! But I think the two that resonates the most is “You won’t know unless you try”
One thing I always say to myself and others…
YOU GOT THIS.