I was born in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Before even starting nursery, I had numerous development issues and was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I have had lots of surgeries and as a teenager I was told I was on the autistic spectrum due to my social and communication difficulties.

I began swimming as it was more of a solo sport with less interaction, somewhere where I could be free and be myself where I felt comfortable.

I turned 16 years old at the holding camp at the London Paralympic Games then days later I won gold in the S14 200m Freestyle. I was awarded an MBE in December 2012. Since then, I have become ambassador for Mencap (charity which supports people with learning difficulties and their families across the UK) and Virtus (global organisation for athletes with an intellectual impairment). I visit parliament to campaign, attend events and visit schools, do online talks and promote inclusion.

I have also qualified for every single international event since London 2012 becoming Paralympic Champion, World Champion, European Champion and achieving 36 international medals for Great Britain along the way.