I am a writer (and now ringmaster) who joined a traditional tented touring circus for my Fellowship, exploring the travelling life in an 11ft caravan I called home.

Since then, I have written extensively and filmed stories of travelling life. I worked as a Guardian journalist and feature writer for over a decade, and still contribute to newspapers and magazines. I have written eight books, including Serpent in Paradise, which is about my time spent on Pitcairn Island. I also founded Kids in Museums, a charity supporting museums to better welcome and include children and families, in particular those who have never visited before.

As a result of my Fellowship I formed strong links with the travelling community and now regard myself as part of it. I've returned to working in the circus, running production company Circus250, creating and touring 'circus with purpose' – circus that provokes debate and highlights social issues. For example, our StrongWomen Science show tackles the lack of girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Our new show, Breathe – Circus to Make You Gasp, explores ecology and wellbeing, linking the exhaustion of the earth's resources to our own post-Covid exhaustion, and how to find hope.