Lilly completed her undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science with First Class Honours at Loughborough University in 2024. She then carried on her journey at Loughborough to study an ESRC funded master’s in social science research - Health and Wellbeing. Lilly’s personal interest in sport and exercise stems from her years of competing to an elite level in triathlon, which gave her a first-hand appreciation of the physical, social, and psychological benefits of physical activity. Throughout Lilly’s studies she has forged a particular interest in advancing inclusive physical activity opportunities for children with chronic medical conditions and disabilities. These interests led Lilly to join the inaugural Para Sport Executive committee at Loughborough, as the Research and Insight officer, in 2021. She also has a personal commitment to supporting early years development and young people’s engagement in sport, which is linked closely to her work as a Loughborough Sport swimming teacher and her broader involvement in community-based physical activity programmes. Lilly has developed a strong pastoral outlook and a practical understanding of how sport can foster confidence, social connection, and developmental growth in children.
Lilly’s PhD research is focused on the development of exercise interventions for Children with Epilepsy (CWE). This is part of a collaborative studentship with the Young Epilepsy charity, the Midlands Graduate school and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Lilly shares a personal connection with this topic on Epilepsy since her older sister had the condition as a child. The research will aim to co-design exercise intervention strategies with CWE, their caregivers and key stake holders (i.e. school teachers, activity leaders, coaches, paediatricians, epilepsy nurses and psychologists). The research will develop interventions that are appraised not only for their physiological value for CWE but also the emotional, psychological and sociological efficacy – ensuring that intervention strategies are responsive to the lived experiences of CWE and those who gatekeep CWE’s access to physical activity participation.
If not in the office, you'll probably find me out on my bike or throwing myself into some kind of challenge or adventure! I love being outdoors and a sense of escapism. I particularly enjoy gardening and water sports!