Kate is currently based in Buckinghamshire where she is working as a GP. Kate graduated from Liverpool University with a Medical Degree and Post Graduate Masters in Vector Biology and Parasitology – a degree that she chose because of her love of travel.
After medical school Kate initially started training to become an Anaesthetist but changed to General Practice after a few years. She now works as a part time GP, is an Advanced Life Support instructor, holds a Research Associate Post at Kings College London and sits on the board of directors for FWC as Medical/Research Lead.
“Professionally, Forces Wives Challenge has provided an exciting opportunity for me to combine lots of interests including acute medicine, general practice and tropical medicine. The research project we are carrying out has demonstrated that women are benefitting from the work that Forces Wives Challenge does and it is amazing to be part of that”
In addition to working, Kate is a mother of two young children, and is married to a serving Parachute Regiment officer. Throughout most of their relationship, she and her husband have weekly commuted so having a community of forces wives around her despite not being on ‘the patch’ has provided invaluable support.
“With a husband away a lot of the time, juggling work and children can be hard – I have certainly felt isolated and lonely at times in the past. Whilst I have a great support network of non-military family and friends close by, sometimes they don’t understand the challenges of having a partner in the forces. I know that I can count on the friends I have made through FWC to support me at any time and I really feel I now have a great military and non-military support network around me despite not living on ‘the patch’”
“Whilst I have always been into keeping fit, FWC has provided me with opportunities to break out of my comfort zone – from high altitude expeditions, 3am hikes in the wind and rain to extended periods of time in a tent (!) this journey has definitely pushed my boundaries. I now know what I am capable of physically and mentally and this given me new found confidence in all aspects of my life”
When time allows though, Kate enjoys keeping active and particularly enjoys training for an adventure! She has been lucky to have been a part of previous expeditions through the FWC community, but the Heroes of Telemark challenge is special to her - it represents both an act of remembrance as well as an opportunity to become part of the world’s first all female team with a group of incredibly inspiring women.
Kate is one of FWC’s HOT Ladies - The World’s First Female Team to retrace the Heroes of Telemark Expedition.