A FORMER Priestley student whose goal is to become a firefighter this week reflected on her experiences so far.

Sophie Tanner, who achieved three Distinction*s in Protective Services at college, is now at University of Lancashire studying BSc Fire and Leadership studies.

“The support and belief all the Protective Services staff at Priestley had in me to go to university was amazing, especially at a time when I wasn’t keen on the idea,” she said.

“Without their motivation and confidence, I wouldn’t be where I am now, with the incredible experiences I’ve had, which will be so good for me in the future.”

Sophie, a former pupil at Culcheth High, is now in her third year at university and has enjoyed many experiences so far, none more memorable than a trip to Zimbabwe with Operation Florian.

The charity sends firefighters from all over the UK to train peers in low-income countries and to deliver more modern equipment.

It was an achievement just to make it onto the trip as only six places were available.

“Being in Zimbabwe and seeing how little training and equipment they have, but how they still put themselves in dangerous situations made me realise how much further along we are in the UK and what needs to change,” she said.

As well as visiting fire stations she was involved in training the hosts in various skills and safety techniques.

The team went into a school to teach children about fire safety and also had time to take a safari and visit Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

“It improved my confidence astronomically as I put myself out there and made connections with people from fire services all over the UK, which if this had happened a few years ago I would never have taken the chance to do,” she said.