I was diagnosed with cancer at 51. It forced me to reassess my life and career choices. Having worked as a freelance recruiter for 20 years, I decided it was time for a change.

I’ve been a loyal Tesco customer for as long as I can remember and I wanted a job that involved people in a business where I could really make a difference. Tesco has given me the work-life balance I was looking for.

I realised there were other priorities in life apart from work. Family, friends and making the most of each day, especially dedicating more time to health and fitness.

I’m proud to be a Tesco Health Hero, a brand ambassador helping to inspire colleagues to take little steps to leading healthier lives. I’m now also a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer, which I combine with my role at Tesco.

As a personal trainer I’m normally working with a handful of people on a one to one basis. Being a Health Hero means I have the opportunity to influence thousands of colleagues, which is amazing.

Outside of work I run three times a week, between 5 and 10 miles. I was privileged to be a part of the award winning Great Tesco Walk, which brought thousands of colleagues together across the country.

Through great initiatives like this we have managed to raise £25 million for our National Charity Partnership over the last three years. 

I believe that life is always better when you’ve climbed to the top of a hill of your own. It puts a real bounce in my step.