Why did you become vegan?
I became a vegan completely for animals and animal welfare, even at a young age I was very aware of how cruel it was to eat animals.
How and when did you become vegan?
I became a full vegan straight away, I am fortunate in the fact I was never a huge dairy person so did not eat cheese or drink much milk, so going completely vegan was very easy for me. I cannot actually remember how old I was, but I would have been either 12 or 13 (a long time ago!)
What are the best things about following a vegan lifestyle?
Living completely cruelty free!
What are the worst things?
Not being able to convert more people, this is something that does get me down on occasions, but the fight goes on.
Do you wear/use wool and leather etc.?
No. I am what people call an ‘ultra’ vegan. I do not wear any animal products at all.
What do you eat apart from grass and soil? Can you give us a typical day?
Breakfast: Alpro yoghurt, with chopped almonds and a banana or some strawberries.
Elevenses: Nakd Bar (any flavour, they are all amazing!)
Lunch: Cuscus, with salad and vegan coleslaw or vegan mayonnaise.
Snacks: Trek protein bar, if I am going to the gym.
Dinner: Sunday roast but with a twist, I substitute the normal meat for Beyond Burgers and have the vegetables and roast potatoes with vegan gravy.
Drinks/alcohol?: Red Wine, Rekorderlig Cider (Strawberry and Lime).
What are your guilty secrets?
Pizza and Lotus Biscuit Spread.
How do you find eating out and what are your favourite takeaways/restaurants?
I enjoy eating out but have become fussier in where I go. I used to be able to eat at non vegan restaurants and have the vegan option, now I find I prefer to go to a completely vegan restaurants and fortunately we have lots of choice in Manchester. My two favourites are – V/Rev (Manchester) and Neat Burger (London).
What else are you passionate about?
All animal welfare issues, including farm animal suffering, getting bans on trophy hunting and live animal exports. Also passionate about stopping animal experiments and about recycling plastic.
Recommended reading or viewing?
If slaughterhouses had glass walls – Sir Paul McCartney documentary.
What would you say to anyone considering a vegan lifestyle?
Go for it! It is easier than you think and the rewards of living cruelty free and helping to save the environment far outweigh the taste of a steak!
