Throughout my life, I’d rather be doing than watching. Even when my children were young, when they did a sport, I did the sport alongside them. I could never see the benefit of sitting on the sidelines watching when I could be having a go.

It means that I’ve tried a lot of different sports, and although I flitted from one to another, it gave me an insight and genuine respect for those that specialised in one particular area, excelled and reached the top of their game.

Whether it’s the local park run, road racing, football or top-level cycling, when I focus my 600mm zoom lens on an athletes face, I can see the hard work they’ve put in through the determination in their eyes and the grimace on their face.

I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it was intoxicating to watch, and I often come away from an event humbled by the sheer focus and determination sportspeople possess at all levels.

These days, with my children all grown up (my son is 31 and my daughter 24), my time is my own, and I get to pursue my passions.

On a typical day, you’ll find me walking or running in the Wyre Forest with Cleo the Hungarian Vizsla. At 13, she’s getting on a bit now, but she more than manages to keep up.