My spiritual apex is riding a horse through the Great Plains of Africa

Harriet 50 born in Kenya, raised in Kenya and England. Married, 3 children. Works for a Human Rights charity.

How are you?

I am very well - in a good place. There is a glooming anxiety about my Mother and what I can do with her - she's 82.  

I’d had twenty difficult years. We were a close unit; Mum, Dad and me -  just the three of us. We had this 'do gooder' instinct, it was definitely to do with surviving the trauma. There was always a sadness since that day and it only really began to shift when I got married when I was thirty. 

What’s your most memorable experience?

We grew up in Kenya, my Sisters were older than me and went to boarding school in England. The holidays were over and it was time for them to head back to the UK along with many other children. We headed to the airport and stood on the outdoor waving platform to wave them off. The plane set off;  something wasn't right - the plane skidded and lost control and a fire started. At the end of the runway was a thirty meter drop, the plane went over the edge in a massive ball of fire. My Dad ran as fast as he could; my two Sisters died along with many other people - mainly children. It was a trauma that I have lived with ever since.

Who or what inspires you?

My Mother and how she coped. My Father and my Grandparents - they were amazing people. People inspire me and how they over come stuff. Nature, beauty and horses - I love horses. Walking through mountains in hot countries and wide open spaces. My spiritual apex is riding a horse through the Great Plains of Africa.

What do you like about yourself?

That I’m kind. It was hammered into me to treat people well. I seldom meet people I don’t like. There is alway a positive connection when I meet someone. I like that I love animals, in fact I sometimes think I prefer them to people. I’m still badly behaved and I love that I have an adventurous spirit.  

What do you think about life?

It’s a few minutes between birth and death, it’s something we have to get through. A manifestation of loads of stuff we don’t understand. It’s packed with experiences, emotions and challenges. It’s not meant to be easy, for most it’s horrid and hard. Life is a learning process.