Karen started as a summer temp with British Airways LGW in 1979 where she first got the travelling bug. She then began working as a Vet Nurse for a mixed practise in 1980-82, Karen loved the job but the lure of overseas travel called her back to the airport so in 1983 she returned to work for BA and subsequently worked in the UK and occasionally overseas in various departments for the airline from then until 2017.

During this time, she has always maintained a love of horses and have owned several, all of whom have been cared for by Sussex Equine. After a 7+ year break from having her own horse Karen has now resumed riding with a new dancing partner, a KWPN called Jamie and is aiming to compete in unaffiliated dressage over the coming months, just for fun.

Karen also has a well behaved Labrador called Lady and a Border Terrior called Eddie who likes to help/supervise when she is cooking which is Karen's other keen interest.