Before beginning ordination training, I had already enjoyed a varied and fulfilling career. For the past 13 years, I worked in primary education and before that, my experiences included teaching English as a Foreign Language, volunteering as a tutor at HMP Highpoint, supporting people through government-funded employment programmes, and, perhaps most importantly, raising my two sons.
I was brought up in the Anglican tradition by my parents, and faith has been a constant presence throughout my life. There have been periods of waiting and uncertainty, particularly during the process of discerning my vocation, but these experiences taught me to trust that God is at work even when answers do not come quickly. My faith is not about having everything neatly resolved; it is about remaining faithful to God and to others, especially when life becomes difficult.
For the past 30 years, I have lived in Suffolk and have been blessed to worship and serve within a faithful rural church community.
The Elizabeth Pathway appealed to me because it offered a realistic and accessible route into ordained ministry as a mature candidate.
The programme enabled me to offer myself for ministry as a self-supporting minister while remaining rooted in the community I already knew and loved. This local approach was particularly attractive because it is such a privilege to walk alongside my neighbours in faith.
Within the Church of England, the call to ordained ministry is now open to people of all ages – young and those who have had more life experience. On the 27 June 2026, I was made Deacon in the morning and later that day my son, Edmund, a Priest. 35 years difference in one family! I believe that God calls us to vocation at very different times in our lives.
One of the key advantages of studying through the Elizabeth Pathway was its flexibility.
I was able to balance my existing commitments alongside the programme's training requirements. Equally important was the opportunity to remain within my home benefice.
I am now Curate in the Stour Valley Benefice, where my training will help me serve the people of Suffolk as I live and journey with them.