IT Project Management
My background is working in IT, starting back in the day when computers were run with punch cards. Over the years I had various roles, culminating as a IT Project Manager working in the City of London for a Blue chip company.
Plus Size Nightclub Promoter
In my spare time I developed and ran a size positive nightclub called ‘Curve’ and this became my passion project, taking up more of my time and all of my interest. Eventually, my increasingly noisy requests to be made redundant from my IT role were answered. I sold Curve on to investors at the same time, allowing me to relocate to the northwest and change careers to the fashion industry.
Fashion Production Manager
I worked as a Production Manager and Designer for a company which offered clothes for bigger people. I loved the creative side of the work but sadly the management was very size unfriendly, believing that fat people should be grateful for the cheapest fabrics, nastiest colours and roughest construction.
My own Fashion label
I was certain there was a demand for more luxurious clothes for people of size so I resigned, sold my house and used the proceeds to set up my own company to design and manufacture clothes and lingerie in bigger sizes. After six successful years I sold the company on to pursue new adventures.
Model and Actress
Throughout my career Iwas also working as a Plus Sized model and also did some TV work as a bit part Actress. My Agency despaired of me because I always rejected any of the opportunities which sought to denigrate or ridicule larger people. It was a difficult balancing act, and one I didn’t always get right – as you can see on my embarrassing appearance on the Alan Carr show. While I want to see more larger people represented in the media I’m now very cautious about which ones I accept.
Moving and Handling Model
I accepted a request from my Agency to be a Bariatric model for a Patient Handling course and had my first experience demonstrating transfer equipment and handling techniques with Mary Muir from Arjo Huntleigh.
Mary was kind enough to be interested in the feedback I could give her students regarding the patients perspective and encouraged me to share as much as I was comfortable with.
Bariatric Consultant and Patient Advocate
I’ve been speaking out about Bariatric issues, healthcare equality and size discrimination for over twenty years. During this time I have had the opportunity to test and evaluate all kinds of equipment and furniture and