I was awarded the Fellowship in 1973, which was presented to me at the Royal Festival Hall by Prince Charles.

In April 1973, aged 16, I travelled unaccompanied to the United States for four months' intensive training in Olympic gymnastics to acquire new skills and best practice that could be replicated in the UK.

My biggest achievement was in the 1976 Montreal Olympics where I became the first British gymnast to qualify for the Olympic all-around finals. Here I competed against Olga Korbut and Nadia Comăneci, who were credited with popularising the sport around the world. In celebration of my achievements I received a personal invitation to join the Queen and Prince Philip for cocktails on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was docked in Montreal.

I was awarded the MBE by the Queen when I retired from competition. I then became coach to the British team and served on a number of high-profile committees, including the Central Council of Physical Recreation, chaired by the Minister for Sport, and the Sports Aid Foundation working alongside Seb Coe. Now as the Head of Community and Wellbeing, I am able to influence the sport and health agenda as well as improve facility development.