"Born and raised in Milton Keynes in 1970, I left school with A levels in geography, history and maths and achieved a place at University of Plymouth in 1989. I immensely enjoyed the course, the teaching was to a very high standard and the subject matter itself varied enough to keep my options open afterwards.
I went on to complete an MSc Applied Marine Sciences degree, sponsored by NERC.
Applying for a job as a weather forecaster at the Met Office I found myself well qualified. My degree thesis in atmospherics dynamics was probably the reason why I was initially shortlisted for the job, although the job criteria included a maths or physics degree and a masters in an applied science.
After an intensive five month residential Met Office course in meteorology, I began my 20-year career as a TV and radio weather forecaster. During my 10 years as GMTV’s weather anchor I was in charge of the output and production for science and weather stories as well as presenting many strands on travel, lifestyle and special awards.
The broad basis of my degree and masters has held me in good stead for my work. I do miss the academic life in Plymouth which I class as some of the best days of my life."