Behind every legacy there is someone who helped hold it together.

For those who follow my journey, you’ll know I often speak about my late grandfather.

He ran one of the most prominent law firms of his generation in the 1950s and his work ethic, ambition and belief in helping people has shaped a lot of what I do today for the legal community today. 

But this International Women’s Day, I want to shine a light on someone who doesn’t get spoken about enough.

My late grandmother.
My Nanny.

Because behind my grandfather’s demanding legal career was the person who held everything together.

Her.

My memories of her are simple but powerful.

She could never do enough for her grandchildren.

She was an incredible baker and cook. Her apple crumble was legendary. The proper traditional one. Definitely not the healthy version.

She would bring sweet treats & drinks out when we were playing in her garden building dens during summer holidays.

She did school pick-ups when my mum couldn’t without hesitation.

She came to countless rugby games, sports days and school events with pleasure.

And she was there on my graduation day.

Even when her health had already started to decline.

One thing I’ll never forget is how she used to save every spare 1p and 2p coin.

Each month she would divide them between me and my brothers.

Back then those pennies bought penny sweets.

So it felt like a fortune!

Looking back now, it wasn’t about the money.

It was about generosity.

Giving what you could to bring joy to someone else.

Sadly dementia took hold later in her life after my grandparents downsized from the family home they had lived in for over 30 years.

Visiting became harder.

There were moments when she no longer remembered her grandson.

But the Nanny I will always remember is the one who was full of life, laughter, warmth and kindness.

And quite fittingly, today would have been her birthday.

Which makes sharing this reflection on International Women’s Day feel even more special.

And that brings me to this year’s International Women’s Day theme.

Give To Gain.

Progress towards equality doesn’t just happen through policy or institutions.
It happens through the everyday actions of individuals.

The support people give.

The encouragement they offer.

The sacrifices they make quietly behind the scenes.

Women like my Nanny may never have had corporate titles or public recognition.

But their contribution shaped families, careers and communities.
Including mine.

Today I’m grateful for the women who support, guide and lift others up every single day.

Sometimes the greatest impact comes from the people who simply choose to give.

Happy International Women’s Day.

#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #FamilyMatters 