Having worked in the leisure industry since the age of 16, now, at 29, I’ve dedicated over a decade to a career that has always felt more like a passion than a job.
My journey began through sport, competing in water polo at international level for GB and Wales including the Europeans and Tri-Nations. Those experiences shaped not only my discipline and resilience, but also made it clear that I wanted to build a future within the leisure and fitness sector.
I started out as a lifeguard and swimming teacher, developing hands-on experience in supporting people to feel safe and confident in the water. Over time, I expanded my qualifications to become a gym instructor, duty manager, pool plant operator and later a trainer assessor. One of my proudest achievements has been delivering four of my own lifeguard courses, all with a 100% pass rate, something that reflects both my commitment to high standards and my passion for helping others succeed.
I have always believed in the powerful benefits that leisure facilities can offer, not just physically, but mentally. Fitness and wellbeing spaces can be transformative, providing people with a sense of purpose and confidence, So, when the opportunity arose in April 2025, I knew I had to take it.
That’s when I bought The Recovery Room in Newton Aycliffe.
Alongside my full-time role at the leisure centre, I’ve worked tirelessly to push The Recovery Room with the incredible support of my boyfriend, Tyler Claughton, who also works in the leisure industry, he has been by my side helping everyday with the recovery room as well as my dad, Denis Foulds. Together, we’ve balanced busy schedules to keep the facility running smoothly and I am incredibly grateful for everything they’ve done. I have a brilliant support network, family is everything.
The Recovery Room has been designed as a space for everyone, not just athletes or fitness enthusiasts, but anyone in need of physical or mental recovery. Whether someone is dealing with the pressures of daily life, preparing for a competition, recovering from a competition or simply looking for a moment of calm, the facility offers a safe, private, and welcoming environment.
Our bespoke setup includes a Swedish ice bath, a seven-seater hot tub, a traditional sauna, changing and shower facilities, Pulsio leg compression machines, hand held massage devices, and sports massage services. While we’re proud to support a number of professional athletes, inclusivity remains at the heart of everything we do, everyone is welcome.
Just six months after opening, The Recovery Room was nominated for the England Business Awards, a huge milestone in itself.
Now, as we approach our one-year anniversary in May, we attended the awards ceremony in Newcastle recently (22nd March), we were honoured to win Best Health & Wellbeing Business in County Durham.
To receive such recognition for something I care so deeply about is truly incredible.
Looking ahead, the goal is to continue growing, expanding the facility, upgrading our services, and reaching as many people as possible. This journey has always been about helping others feel better, both physically and mentally, and that will remain at the core of everything we do moving forward.