Started ballooning in 1974. I took part in the 1977 British Nationals and first represented the U.K. at the World Championships at Castle Howard later that year coming 10th.  Have won the UK National championships on 9 occasions, the European championships three times and won the World championships twice. I flew all my 3 children out from the maternity hospital within 3 days of their births. I now have over 4,400 hours P1.

Received the Gold Medal of the Royal Aero Club in 1997 and the Britannia Trophy in 1998.  I was awarded an FAI diploma in 1999. I was given the Freedom of the City of London in 2008.