Life lately #19

Today is Good Friday—a day of mourning across the world—and on this sombre day, it feels like a suitable time to open up about something I’ve been grappling with in my personal life: an unimaginably painful bereavement following the loss of a loved one. I wish I were being hyperbolic, but the trauma of the circumstance and the sheer gravity of the situation have been so immense that I genuinely don’t know where I’ve been finding the strength to carry on, largely as normal. I think ‘high-functioning grief mode’ has kicked in as a kind of coping mechanism—which I know is the case for many in similar positions.

When carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, the last thing you often want to do is socialise, make small talk, talk shop, or put on a smile that in no way reflects how you feel inside. And yet, paradoxically, as much as I’ve often really not felt like doing any of those things, keeping busy and showing up to things I’d previously committed to has helped distract me and maintain some sense of normality. Even if, at times, it’s taken everything in me to maintain composure and hold back a flood of tears.

I’m not a particularly outwardly emotional person, nor someone who typically shares private matters publicly—and though I’m not ready to talk about this in more detail just yet, I wanted to share this vulnerable insight to say that if you are experiencing loss in any form, you are not alone. Life isn’t always fun and games or good times, despite what social media may lead us to believe. Sadly, grief is still seen as uncomfortable and awkward topic in our society, and so we often don’t speak about it or share our experiences. 

Of course, grief is not always the result of losing a loved one. It can come from losing anything that mattered deeply—your health, a relationship, your career—you name it. To varying degrees, grief is something that will touch the lives of most of us at some point, and if this hasn’t been the case for you yet, please count your blessings.

There is community out there, and there are people who love you. Reach out if you need to talk—or be a listening ear for someone who does. I’m thankful to have a small but strong support circle—we’ve helped one another through this. So I’ll leave you with a few recent photos, many of which were taken before my life changed forever.

There’s something soothing about sitting by a fire. 

Homemade pasties – though crimping skills leave something to be desired! Call it a work in progress. 

The first daffs of the season. 

Sunny cold days. 

Favourite view of London. 

It was enlightening and thought-provoking to recently attend a special dinner to discuss all things Al with a range of industry leaders and policymakers.

In Parliament to meet with MPs and discuss the education landscape, present and future.

It was meaningful to spend the day with the Media Trust at Meta headquarters London to participate in Women’s Voices 2025, which brings together volunteers from across the media and creative industries to support 15 charities that campaign for, and advocate for women and girls across the UK.

It was incredible to speak with representatives from the selected charities, which address female-centered issues ranging from maternal rights to domestic violence and female empowerment.

It was also inspiring participate in the Commission on the Status of Women 2025 on behalf of UN Women UK. Some of the key action points included: Digital Revolution; Freedom from Poverty; Zero Violence; Full and Equal Decision-Making Power; Peace and Security; Climate Justice.

International Women’s Day 2025 was celebrated at the stunning Mansion House for a conversation on ‘accelerating action’ The Lady Mayoress of the City of London, Florence King, and Social Pantry.

There’s something quite therapeutic about baking. On this occasion it was a classic Victoria sponge with a raspberry and white chocolate twist, along with Wedgwood inspired icing. All Baked in my late great-grandmother’s baking tin which is probably over 100 years old now but still works an absolute charm.