Candidate Profile

Tell students about yourself

I’m a first year Liberal Arts student from Herefordshire, studying Spanish, Criminology and Anthropology. I'm planning a year abroad and eventually a law conversion, focusing on sports law. I'm heavily involved in sport, playing cricket and handball for DU and college hockey. I'm also a Liberal Arts student rep and member of the Women in Law Society. I was diagnosed with autism about five years ago, so I understand firsthand the challenges of university life as a neurodivergent student. I'm passionate about making Durham more supportive for everyone.

If elected, what sort of Officer can students expect you be?

You can expect an officer who listens first and acts second. I believe in student-led welfare: your experiences should drive the decisions I make. I'll prioritise making support accessible and normalised, not something that singles people out. My focus will be on busy, all-round students juggling sports, societies, academics and everything else. Because welfare shouldn't add to your stress. Leave that to me!

Why is this role important to you?

University is challenging. You're managing academics, new relationships, independence and often being far away from home. Add sports, societies and other commitments, and it can be overwhelming. I've experienced these pressures firsthand. My lived experience as an autistic student has shown me how difficult it can be to ask for help, even when you desperately need it.

Durham has a reputation for division - between different backgrounds, different lifestyles, different resources. Welfare should bridge those gaps, not reinforce them. Everyone deserves equal access to support, regardless of their background or how they spend their time here.

I'm passionate about normalising mental health support for all students - athletes, those juggling many commitments and anyone struggling. I believe in doing what's right, listening to real student needs and creating accessible welfare that doesn't isolate or exclude. That's the change I want to lead.

What is your pitch to students?

‘Welfare without barriers’

Vote for welfare that works for you. Durham is tough enough without support being complicated. I'll fight for accessible, judgement-free welfare that meets you where you are, whether you're balancing multiple commitments, far from home or just need someone to listen. Your challenges are valid. Let's normalise asking for help.