Pair of jazz shoes and map of the UK

Being a musical theatre student at the University of Lincoln feels like exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’ve been performing ever since I can remember, and now I spend my days developing my skills and doing what I love.

Moving away from home has been a big step, but it’s given me independence and belief I didn’t know I had. I live on my own, and even though my parents were worried at first, I have a strong supportive network around me.

I hope to be a professional West End performer one day, and so being around people that have the same passion as you, makes it really easy to enjoy their company. We talk about things we all genuinely have in common, and that’s so nice. It hasn’t always been easy making friends due to ongoing health issues, and moving house, but I finally feel like I’m learning how to be my own person. I’m learning to be comfortable in my own skin, and to be myself around other people.

Hospital wristband, ID bracelet and medication items

When I talk about my brain injury, I say I have a brain injury called NMDA [N-methyl-D-aspartate] receptor encephalitis. There’s 10 strains, and mine’s the rarest… only 1 in 10,000 people in the whole of the world get it every year. So... I win.

It started when I was 17: I came home from college and didn’t seem myself. I was taken to hospital, and suddenly I was put in a drug induced coma for 2 weeks. When I woke up, it was like I had dementia, I couldn’t remember anything, and had to relearn pretty much everything, like walking, talking, standing. I’ve relapsed a few times but I’m seizure free now.

Sometimes, I feel like I’ve missed out on key things compared to other people my age, and I wouldn’t want my worst enemy to experience what I have. But it’s taught me that I am stronger than I think, and I’ve definitely learnt to slow down, enjoy the ride, and remember that everything is going to happen when it’s meant to happen.

School jumper, a top and an old pass

Some of the most inspiring people on my journey have been my teachers.

At Northampton College, I had a singing teacher that I called “Mrs. Potts” because she sang like Angela Lansbury in ‘Beauty and the Beast’. She was a really motivational, inspirational teacher who would take the time to listen to you, help you sing in the correct tone, and warm you up and warm down properly - making sure everyone was supported equally.

I also like being a teacher too. In my amateur dramatics group, I used to help teach the younger kids their dances and songs. I really enjoyed it, and as one of my lecturers said, “If you enjoy what you’re doing, you should do it!”

That has really stuck with me, and if I become a teacher, I want to share my passion and make sure my students feel supported the way I have been.

Angel wings, a cross, panto programme and poster

I’ve been performing ever since I can remember. One of my earliest memories was in reception doing the nativity play. I was the Angel Gabriel - it was the first time I got to sing in front of people and I remember absolutely loving it! My head teacher even arranged for us to perform at one of our local churches - it was so good.

Another big moment was performing in Northampton’s local pantomime, Peter Pan. I was one of the Lost Boys, and during a big dance number I tripped over my own feet and fell flat on my face in front of about 500 people. I did the professional thing: I got up and carried on. That was my first proper “fake it till you make it” moment.

I’ve always liked musicals and I love going to the theatre - it’s an in-the-moment, immersive experience. You really feel what they’re singing. It’s emotional, raw, and completely transports you.

Whenever someone asks me, “what’s your favourite musical?” I can’t answer it because I love different ones for different reasons - but here’s my Top 6 (in no particular order):

1. Grease (The classic boy–girl love story)

2. Dear Evan Hansen (Acceptance & amazing emotional journeys)

3. Six (Henry’s VIII’s six wives’ reclaiming their voices)

4. Dreamgirls (Never giving up & fulfilling your dreams)

5. Hairspray (Great message of inclusion & equality - plus catchy songs)

6. The Lion King (Timeless Classic, based on Hamlet - and amazing dancing!)

Sheet music, highlighters and Art and Design items

My educational journey has been a bit of a maze, but it’s all been driven by how much I love learning and I never want to stop.

At 17, I started at Northampton College on a BTEC in Art & Design, then moved to Dance, then Performing Arts, and finally Musical Theatre. I didn’t complete all of the courses due to my health issues, but it reached the point where they told me I had to leave because there were no other courses left for me to do.

So, I started a Level 4 qualification in Musical Theatre at Boston College, then transferred to University of Lincoln and started all over again in Year 1. I joke that I'm the most qualified student in the class, but I feel like you’d never know if you saw me!

I get a real joy out of learning new things and being surrounded by people that also want to learn motivates me to try really hard in everything that I do.

Family photos and flowers

We’re a big family of giggles; Mum, Dad and my sister – that’s the core – but my mum has 9 siblings and my dad has 8, and they’ve all got kids, so at family gatherings there’s too many of us! I love when we all meet up and find out what everyone’s been up to, especially our family in Jersey, New Zealand and the US.

Dad is a motivational speaker, saying, “if you put your mind to it, you can do it.” After my brain injury, I decided I wanted to be a motivational speaker for people like me.

Mum has taught me to be grounded, to “keep a level head,” and reminds me, “If you don’t try, you’ll never know,” always encouraging me and my sister to pursue our dreams - I don’t think we’d have discovered our passions if it wasn’t for her.

My family has been an amazing support system. They’ve seen me at my lowest and are so proud of the journey I’m on.

CDs, microphone, headphones and the book

I was never really a book reader, more of a film watcher, so I didn’t put time or effort into books. I always found audiobooks a bit easier. I’m a big Harry Potter fan and when I was younger we had the ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ on CD, which we used to listen to as we went to sleep.

I struggled in school as a teenager, but I didn’t really understand why. Being told I was ‘borderline dyslexic’ confused things, but getting properly diagnosed at University made a lot of things ‘click’ and make sense. I have support now, and I know so many other people who are also dyslexic, or have ADHD, or autism. It feels a lot more accepting, and so I’m a lot more accepting within myself.

Last year I said that “before the end of September, I’m going to start my own podcast” ...and I will! I want to create something for people like me who want to get into Musical Theatre. I’ve realised that even though I find reading challenging, I still love telling stories - just maybe, in a slightly different form.

Stack of books, and light bulb

I’m your typical reality show watcher, I’m not gonna lie.

I love a bit of ‘Love Island’, even though my Mum hates me for it. I just love watching other people, I find it really inspiring.

Even ‘The Kardashians.’ People say they’re not talented, but I look at their work ethic and they’ve worked extremely hard to get where they are. I also love a good documentary; especially ‘Pole to Pole with Will Smith’, and you can’t beat David Attenborough. They all encourage me to think about life beyond the stage.

I know this sounds a bit cliché, but I’d love to go to America and see a proper Broadway show. I’d also love to go to Japan, it seems so futuristic with robot restaurants and stuff. Maybe there will even be flying cars there soon like the DeLorean - it would honestly blow my mind.

Demi’s Flower Queen dress, crown and flowers

We’d just moved to Spalding in Lincolnshire and went to this bingo night, which was a fundraiser for the ‘Flower Parade’. I approached The Head of Operations and just said, "I heard you’re looking for a ‘Flower Queen”. How do I apply?" I got into the Top 10, and was then elected as ‘Deputy Flower Queen’ for Spalding in 2024.

Being a ‘Flower Queen’ is more than just pageantry. Sure, you wear a crown, sash and beautiful dresses, but you also have responsibilities. You attend community events, represent the town, attend functions organised by the flower committee, and visit schools & nursing homes. You conduct yourself in a certain way so people know you are serious about your role - and kids think you’re an actual princess!

We only ‘rule’ for one year, but it was life changing for me! I was proud to be the first woman of colour to be a ‘Deputy Flower Queen’, and also as someone with a hidden disability. I’d like to think that I’ve opened up doors for more diverse ‘Flower Queens’ in the future. Are you ready Spalding?

Vinyl record, printed photos and a pack of Dreamies

When I was 22, my sister and I got twin cats; Starr & Marley. They looked exactly alike with orange tiger stripes, except ‘Starr’ had white back legs. Marley he was mine.

I was trying to think of a name for him and we were listening to Bob Marley in the car. I was really struggling but then it clicked: ‘Marley’ felt perfect. He’s a little bit like the dog in ‘Marley & Me’: crazy, happy, smart… and sometimes as chilled as Bob Marley!

Sadly on 8th Sept 2022, the same day the Queen died, Marley’s brother Starr went outside and he never came back. We like to say that ‘Starr’ is with the Queen now.

One thing I’ve noticed Marley still does, is... as soon as he’s had his dinner, he’ll go straight into the garden and spend hours out there. Maybe he’s looking for Starr?

I always call Marley my little “cat-dog” because he spends so much time outside, he’s so playful and he is so full of personality.