Danielle Heron - Fundraising
Co-ordinator

I previously worked for My Life from 2016-2018 - when I was Editor-in-Chief of its inception project Waterfront Life - and joined the Unlock My Life project in July 2024.

I have previous history in law enforcement and criminal justice, having served as a Special Constable for Suffolk Constabulary for two years, before moving into the prison service as a substance misuse and addiction rehabilitation specialist. After a couple of years dabbling in roles out of the ‘industry’, in 2016 I joined Border Force as a Customs Officer, where I remained until starting my own aesthetics business six years ago.

I have always taken a great interest in the criminal justice system, and specifically why offenders are led to crime. Having children myself, I envision a world where fewer young people are enticed into taking the wrong paths in life, by educating not just young people, but those who care for and influence them.

I have lived experience of mental ill health, and have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks from a very young age (as early as four). This has made me susceptible to further mental ill health as an adult, and whilst I have experienced episodes of anxiety and depression including post-natal, the more I have learned about how our brains work (in particular, how they can manipulate thoughts and feelings into something more sinister!), the more I have learned to cope with symptoms of mental ill health. I want to use my lifelong experience to help others with a holistic approach.

I like to think of myself as quite a persuasive person and that helps with parting people with their money(!), but my passion for the project and how it is helping those in prisons around the country is what makes my job so rewarding.

3 facts about me:

  1. I am qualified as a wedding and naming celebrant.

  2. I love travelling and have been to 31 countries (and counting!).

  3. I once fed a chip to Ken Barlow (of Corrie fame).