My passion was trying to help children and families have the best possible quality of life

Ordained deacon in July 2022 | Ordained priest in July 2023

My name is Rhiannon, and I was brought up in the Salvation Army until my parents moved us to a Presbyterian church when I was 15.

This started theological reflection and questioning as I started trying to reconcile very different understandings of some Bible passages. 

I chose to attend an Anglican church aged 17 but, after marrying, we attended one of the new churches for many years. 

We moved to Glossop in 1999 - convinced God wanted us in an Anglican church - and have been part of Whitfield Parish since then.

During this time, I have been a member of and led small groups, been on the prayer ministry team, on PCC and Deanery Synod and helped with a variety of church events, particularly enjoying helping with Messy Church and holiday clubs.

I was a Street Pastor for nearly a decade. 

It was a privilege to show God’s love in this way and fascinating seeing and hearing what unchurched people thought about faith and the church. 

I learned a huge amount, including that many non-Christians are comfortable asking faith questions when they are ‘on their own turf’ but would not consider entering a church to ask them.

I worked for the NHS most of my working life, as a children’s physiotherapist working with children with disabilities and their families in the community.

My passion was trying to help children and families have the best possible quality of life, given the disabilities children had and I took on roles which allowed me to forward this agenda.

I retired early when Occupational Health decided my health was not compatible with working with these children.

My husband Geoff and I met as students and have been married for 40 years and we have 2 (or 3) children, depending on how you count: our birth sons Barney and Pete, and Myrle, who we fostered decades ago and remains part of our family.

I love walking in the country, gardening, reading, sewing and knitting - when time allows.

Favourite hymns: there are so many, I might choose different ones on different days. Today's are ‘Thine be the Glory’ and ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’ by Rend Collective.

Favourite Bible verses: Among my favourites are John 3.16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life", Rom 12.1-2 and Eph 3.14-21.