Living Positively, Speaking Boldly, Rooted in Grace

Born in Ballymena in 1978, and now settled in Co. Kildare with my husband and our two cats, I live a life shaped by resilience, reflection, and quiet joy. I’ve called many places home—Dublin, Gibraltar, Belfast, Oxford—and each has left its mark. But it was in March 2009, after a routine Sexual Health MOT prompted by a New Year’s resolution, that my life took a turn I never expected: I was diagnosed as living with HIV.

The news was a shock. A friend had recently shared his own diagnosis, and I had promised myself I’d get tested. Everything came back clear—except the HIV result. One friend told me, “It will be a rollercoaster from now on,” and he was right. That moment became the seed of HIV Blogger: living positively—a space I created just a week later to record my journey, to speak truth, and to connect.

I’ve always been a communicator. The internet has long been my lifeline, and writing became my way of making sense of the storm. I never imagined the blog would reach beyond my circle of friends, but it did—recognized by platforms like Healthline.com, and growing into a presence on Twitter and Facebook. It’s not just a chronicle. It’s a conversation.

That conversation has also grown into books. Carried: The Bears’ Book of Blessings gathers tender prayers and reflections voiced through the Bears—companions of presence and quiet courage. Chosen and Kept explores themes of faith, belonging, and resilience. And The Church is Open: Advent offers liturgical reflections and encouragement for the season of waiting and hope. Each book extends the heartbeat of the blog: words for those navigating illness, faith, and the search for community.

I used to work full-time for Ireland’s oldest First Aid charity, St John Ambulance Ireland, at its National Headquarters. Today, I continue to serve as a volunteer, contributing to the graphic design and social media teams. I’ve spoken in schools and colleges about my life, and I’m always open to sharing my story with others—because visibility matters, and silence helps no one.

I live by two mottos: Qui timet Dominum—he who fears the Lord—and the Benedictine call to Ora et Labora—pray and work. These are not just phrases. They are the rhythm of my days, the compass I follow.

I am a proud member of the Chartered Management Institute, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, and the Institute of Leadership.

This blog is not just about HIV. It’s about living—fully, fiercely, and unapologetically. Should you wish to reach out, you’ll find the “Email me” button at the top of the page. I’d be glad to hear from you.