Steph grew up in Hampshire and lived in the area until relocating to the East Midlands to join her husband, who is a soldier in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Steph works as FWC’s operations support officer and her role until now has put her ‘behind the scenes’ dealing with all the admin surrounding organising challenges, membership, and everything in between! Steph and Jon have a 5 year old son and spend as much time as they can in Hampshire with their horses who are still stabled there.
In 2019, Steph suddenly became very unwell and was subsequently diagnosed with a neurological condition, which among other debilitating symptoms, took away her ability to walk or even stand. As a full time wheelchair user, with limited use in one of her hands, Steph has been determined not to let her disability dictate what she can and can’t do.
‘I am a strong willed person and am in my element when on adventures in the outdoors. Getting back on my horse after I became disabled was an absolute must for me. My horses give me a therapy that cannot be replicated by any person or treatment.’
And so, with sheer determination, passion, hard work and a lot of support, Steph got back in the saddle and has achieved more than she ever imagined to be possible.
‘Working for FWC has been life changing for me in so many ways. When I found FWC, it felt like I had found myself again. My life has purpose, and I instantly felt this connection with all our members. Being surrounded by like-minded women, who are going out there and taking on these huge challenges, whilst playing their important part as a military spouse/partner, gave me overwhelming inspiration and determination to push myself too.’
This was where the idea of FWC’s Ride to Freedom was born. Supported by the R2F team Steph will aim to complete the 5 day trek on horseback, covering some 130 km over difficult, rugged mountain terrain surrounding the WW2 freedom trail, to recreate the arduous journey taken by so many to escape occupied France, into Spain.
‘I am so excited to take on this challenge, albeit a little nervous too! FWC’s Ride to Freedom means something different for each of our team members and I cannot wait to share this physically and mentally challenging journey with all of them.’
Steph is one of FWC’s R2F Team members- who will tackle the challenging terrain surrounding the ‘WWII Freedom Trail’ across the Pyrenees Mountains on horseback in June 2023.