Meeting an inspiration: My time in London with Kirsty Capes
In April 2025, I had the opportunity to spend some time in London—an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. The highlight of my trip to London and Slough was meeting the incredibly talented author and advocate for so many people, Kirsty Capes. As someone who is also care-experienced, meeting Kirsty felt like more than just a professional connection and meeting – it was a moment of recognition, encouragement and shared understanding. Meeting Kirsty and travelling to her hometown was more than just a meeting with another author. Getting to know Kirsty and walking the streets where she grew up was magical. It is more than words can say. Having experienced travelling to London on my own for the first time was incredible.
A City That Makes You Think
London can be overwhelming for so many different people. For me, it was a time that felt so grounding. I used this journey as a chance to reflect on everything I have been building for myself – my business, Not Lost Anymore, my writing, my training, and my journey from care to confidence. I also used my time in London to prove to myself that I can travel to big cities like this on my own. This will not be the last time I will be doing this. It is only the beginning. Being in a space of so much energy gave me the push to step back out of my comfort zone and recognise how far I have come.
Meeting Kirsty
Kirsty has been a role model for so many people who have experience of care. After realising I had her book, just before I had won a prize during the Who Cares? Scotland charity auction last year to meet Kirsty and have a chance to go over my current work that I have been working on. After reading Kirsty’s first book, Careless, I was in awe of Kirsty after reading her book. Kirsty has been a role model for many people and has been recently for me, not just for her writing, but for the way she uses her voice to challenge narratives and uplift the care experience community. Meeting Kirsty in person was so surreal for me in the best possible way. We spoke about our books, the care system, what we do and our journeys as writers. There was something powerful about being able to share space with someone who gets it, not just on paper but in lived reality.
She offered so much encouragement, she listened to me intensely, and she reminded me that there is space for stories like mine. The representation matters. What you write matters, she also reminded me that if you do not write what you want, how are people meant to read it or even help people who are in desperate need to read your words to help themselves. The words that Kirsty spoke will stay with me forever.
A Moment Of Growth
This trip was not just about meeting Kirsty and someone whom I look up to – it was a reminder that I belong in these spaces too – travel the world to meet incredible people just like Kirsty. As an author, a trainer and a business owner, I have worked hard to build something that reflects my values and my voice. This meeting reminded me that I am not alone in that journey.
I left London feeling refreshed, not just because of what I learned from Kirsty, but because of what I learned about myself. I am doing the work, I am showing up, and I am carving out space – not just for me, but for others with similar stories.
Moving Forward
I will carry this experience with me as I continue writing my novel and developing training that is rooted in lived experience. I am so excited about what is ahead of me, and grateful for moments like this that have reminded me I am on the right path for me.
To Kirsty – thank you for giving up some of your time to spend it with me, your wisdom, and for being a visible example of what is possible. And those who are reading my blog: if you have ever felt like your story does not matter or your voice is too small, know this – you belong in this room too.
"Kirsty Capes showed me that it’s not only possible to rise from the care system, but to rise with purpose, passion, and pride."
"Talking with Kirsty Capes felt like speaking to someone who truly understood the layers beneath the label of ‘care-experienced’—and honoured them."
"The city moved quickly, but I moved with purpose. Walking through London’s streets reminded me I’m not just passing through—I’m building something lasting."
"The heart of London beats loud in places like Trafalgar Square, but somehow, I found stillness in the middle of it all."