Lauren Geraghty is CHFT’s newest addition to the dietetic department!  Here she tells more about herself in a fun-filled glorious read of achievement and challenging herself... and she's a total inspiration. Enjoy all!

Hello My Name Is.... Lauren Geraghty. 

I recently qualified as a band 5 dietitian from Leeds Beckett University. I am super-excited as this will be my first post within the NHS.   I have a wonderful family.  I am a mother to an amazing little boy called Malachy (5) who is my absolute world and I also have a wonderful supporting boyfriend called Luke. My family mean everything to me; therefore my weekends are usually filled with fun enjoyable family activities. I love long-walks, family movie nights in and days filled with laughter!

I love challenging myself and setting new goals. Since finishing university I decided to set myself a new challenge; to take part in long-distance charity runs (as I finally have some free time to dedicate training to!) So far I have signed up to a 10k run in July for Cancer Research UK and a 10-mile run in October for Alzheimer’s Society. 

Tell us about your career background
I have always been keen to work from a young age! My first job was at 14, as a sales assistant in my local Cost-Cutters. At 16 I used my savings from working to pay for a course where I obtained my ‘National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ)’. I successfully passed this course where I worked as a lifeguard alongside studying at sixth-form, until I was 18 where I then worked on a full-time basis. At 20 I had my little boy, Malachy, who was my entire motivation for pursuing the career that I now have! When Malachy was 9 months old I went back to Wakefield College twice a week to complete an ‘Access to Health Course’ which allowed me to gain a place on the ‘BSc Hons Dietetics’ undergraduate course at Leeds Beckett University.. And now here I am, working my first NHS post as a dietitian at CHFT! 

 What are the best bits about your job?  
There are many… firstly, contributing to the wellbeing and health of patients so that they can be discharged back to their families and normality! Secondly, the variety that comes with the job and the many different specialities that I can learn about (diabetes, bariatrics, respiratory, gastroenterology, surgical, the list goes on…) Finally, working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team which enables me to share knowledge with others whilst also allowing me to learn from others and improve my personal and professional skills too! 

What is the highlight of your career so far?
I would have to say being greeted and welcomed into such a friendly team! Big shout out to the amazing staff within the dietetic department at CRH and HRI.

Sum up your role in three words
Rewarding, Diverse and Caring.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 
A veterinary surgeon… that dream was soon crushed when I obtained some work experience in year 7 to find out that I’m; 1. Terribly squeamish and 2. Allergic to most animals with hair! Oops.

Who is your hero/heroine and why?  

My mom! She’s the strongest person I have ever met, the best nana to her four gorgeous grandbabies and the glue to our family! and also Florence Nightingale. Why? She set the standards for everyone within the NHS! … “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm” Florence Nightingale, Notes on Nursing: What It Is, and What It Is Not (1863).

When you are not at work, how do you relax? 
I’m someone who finds it very hard to relax unless I am poorly! I love to be active, through walking and HIIT exercise. I also find long-walks with my son, mom and her dog de Bordeaux relaxing or reading a good book with a warm hot chocolate (with marshmallows, squirty cream and a flake of course!)

What is your favourite place? 
Wherever my family are!

What would people be surprised to know about you?  I learnt the martial art kickboxing throughout my entire childhood. At 15 I competed in the British Championships (WKA) and qualified for the World Kickboxing Championships (WKA) in Portugal, where I fought and became the World Kickboxing Champion for my age and weight category! It’s definitely up there with my top 5 proudest achievements.