Exploring and connecting. That’s what I live for. I grew up on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, I was a free-range child in the countryside in the 90s. I climbed trees, rode my bike, went swimming in rivers, poked around carboot sales with my mum and my sister. I’d wander across the fields to the closest farm to peek into the lambing barn. Being active and interacting with the world around me was what I loved, what I still love, it’s who I am.

I believe that what’s needed in the world is more awe, beauty and deep gratitude for this short and fragile existence. There is a magnificent world around us, but it can be hard to see. Life can be fun, a great adventure. I aspire to be like my friends in their 60s and 70s who find life thoroughly entertaining. My hope is that my photography connects people with these parts of life.

Photo: A self-portrait of me three days into a cycling trip. Straight off a 40-hour journey and on to a bike. I was delighted to have found a cabin with a shower (photo is pre-shower!).