Sometimes, when working in a profession such as Veterinary Physiotherapy, we can become so focused on the literature and theory behind why we do what we do. This is certainly something I have explored throughout my previous blog posts.
However, behind every business is a person, with their own story, experiences and journey that have shaped them into who they are today.
So, this blog post is a little different.
This one is dedicated to getting to know me, Charley — the face behind the uniform — and sharing a little more about who I am, what brought me into Veterinary Physiotherapy, and how I got to where I am today.
My Education
Every family has that one kid who is quite good at school, stays focused, gets their head down and works above and beyond. Yep, you guessed it — that was me!
From the age of 12, I knew exactly where I wanted my life to take me, and I was determined to get there, no matter what it took.
My GCSE year was the year COVID hit, meaning my Year 11 finished abruptly in March and I didn’t have to sit any of my final exams. Luckily, I had taken my mock exams very seriously, meaning I still achieved some exceptional GCSE grades. These grades got me into sixth form, where I went on to study Biology, Psychology and Geography.
I’ve always been a very analytical person. I like being given facts, understanding the evidence and knowing that there is a right or wrong answer. Therefore, my three science-based subjects suited me quite well!
When Year 13 rolled around, I knew exactly which university I wanted to apply to: Harper Adams University, to study Veterinary Physiotherapy. I made sure all of my documentation was completed and submitted through early entry, giving myself the best possible opportunity of getting into my dream university.
We went to the Harper Adams open day, and this just solidified my decision that this was exactly where I was supposed to be. However, with only 50 places available and over 100 applicants, I had to try to keep a level head and not get my hopes up too high. I didn’t want my dreams to be completely obliterated!
Then, on a random freezing cold day while I was sat in Geography, it happened. Back in the COVID days, all the windows had to be open in classrooms regardless of the weather, so college was definitely not enjoyable during the winter! I had an inkling that I should check my emails, and there it was — I had been offered a conditional place at Harper Adams University!
My dreams were starting to become my reality.
The following September, after getting the grades I needed and completing all of my work experience, I moved into my halls of residence — 9 Silcock Hall, to be exact!
I was so ready to start the next four years of my life, learning, developing and working towards becoming the person I had always dreamed of becoming.
My Horsey Background
It doesn’t take a genius to know that horses are my thing. I have been utterly obsessed with them ever since I first rode at just four years old. I’m the person who still shouts “HORSES!” as we drive past them in the car. I have always wondered whether I’m eventually going to outgrow my strange, horse-obsessed-girl phase, but honestly, I don’t think that will ever happen — and I think I’m okay with that!
As a child, I struggled with my hearing quite a bit, having to go back and forth to the hospital to try to get some answers and help. Being hard of hearing can be quite isolating at times, especially in larger groups where you don’t always understand what is going on around you.
But none of that seemed to matter when I was around horses.
With horses, no words have to be used. There is a completely different, silent form of communication, where horse and human can understand each other without ever needing to speak. Horses have always been that one place where I can be completely myself. I never feel judged, and I never have to worry about asking them to repeat themselves — there is simply a silent, mutual understanding.
They have always been my happy place.
Despite all the love I have for horses, I have never had one that I could truly call my own. Instead, I have spent my time riding at riding schools, borrowing my friends’ horses and working at yards simply for the opportunity to be around them.
One thing that has always been on my bucket list is to one day have a horse of my very own — one that I can keep and never have to give back.
I have always pictured myself with a sporty horse; one that I can go cross-country schooling with, take on trail rides and, of course, have a go at a bit of team chasing!
Maybe one day, that dream will become a reality too.
My Hobbies
As much as I could spend all day around horses if I could, I do have some other hobbies away from horses that keep my mind entertained. I am a very busy person and my mind is always busy, meaning I like to keep myself occupied.
As a 22-year-old, most people might expect that keeping myself busy involves clubbing, pubbing, shopping and everything in between. However, I always say that I was born in the wrong generation, as I much prefer to keep my life a little more simplistic.
Baking
Baking is one of those things that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed baking. Over time, I have progressed from being a hindrance to my mum by simply making an absolute mess (one time turning our brown sofa white by covering it in icing sugar!) to actually becoming quite good at it!
My personal favourite two cakes are chocolate cake and carrot cake, both of which I have spent the last 22 years perfecting!
Hiking
Hiking is something that gives me a real sense of achievement. I have always loved going for walks, from meeting up with my friends after school to walk around the village, to waking up at 4am and hiking Snowdon with my boyfriend to watch the sunrise... on a cloudy day!
One place that holds a very special place in my heart is the Lake District. We try to make the journey there every year, not only for the incredible hiking opportunities but also for the peace that the place brings me.
With very little phone signal, it is just you, the lakes and the hills. Nothing in life brings me quite as much happiness as the Lake District!
Crochet
My ultimate granny hobby is that I love to crochet!
This came about one evening when my boyfriend and I headed to The Range for some entertainment. We found a little make-your-own snowman set and, with absolutely no previous crochet experience, we decided that I could bring him to life.
In all fairness, I did create a snowman... but he was a bit holey, so he wasn't exactly up to the highest standards!
However, once I try something, I have to be excellent at it — it’s just the way I am. So, I had to try again, this time making a reindeer. The reindeer was actually pretty good considering my lack of experience, and that was it — I had caught the crocheting bug!
To this day, I have completed many different creations, including a monkey, a bunny in a jumpsuit, an elephant, Tigger from Winnie the Pooh and even a bag! So now, the world is my oyster... at least when it comes to woollen garments!
The Family Boat
Last, but certainly not least, is the family boat.
Back in 2019, we bought a 56-foot narrowboat that we share with my auntie and uncle. Unfortunately for us, we kept the boat in Leicester, which meant that the boat was in lockdown for a lot longer than we were during COVID, meaning we couldn't really use it for the first year.
However, once we moved it down to Rugby, what a pleasure it has been to have it in our lives.
As soon as you step foot on the boat and begin to plod your way along the canal at 4mph, you just become immersed in a completely different world.
People are often shocked when they ask where we are going on holiday and we respond with “Milton Keynes” or “Birmingham”. But the canal is genuinely a completely different world. You get to see beautiful little villages that you probably never would have had the pleasure of discovering otherwise.
My favourite place we have visited is Napton, a really small village in Northamptonshire. There isn't a huge amount there — just a tranquil little village with a post office that sells bloody lovely sausage rolls!
And, even better, there are water buffalo grazing in the fields as you make your way down the locks.
Definitely worth a visit!
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