Despite being teased for playing netball at school, I went on to represent my country playing basketball. I hope my story inspires the young people I meet at the 2SMART roadshows to stay away from knives, bullying, alcohol and drugs.

I am just one of the performers taking part in the Essex Police project 2SMART which kicked off in March in Braintree. The aim of the roadshow is to show year seven pupils across the county that in order to reach your potential you need to stay away from knives, bullying, alcohol and drugs.

I chose to play a sport that wasn’t popular and I was one of the smaller kids at school. As a child I was often bullied just for being different to the rest of the kids. The most important thing to remember is that you can be whatever you want to be as long as you put in the extra work and steer clear of trouble.
My message is if there is something you really believe in and really want to do then don’t let the bullies win, I urge young people to speak to their parents and teachers and be true to themselves. If you've got a gift for sport, then follow your dreams and beat the bullies.”