I came to England for Love.

At first there was a promise of love, then real love.

I met Adam in a nightclub in Helsinki. Within 8 months we were engaged and I had moved to Yorkshire to live with him.

Four years later I had met my soulmate Craig, who became my beloved husband. He had taken a job in Newcastle after years in Australia, so we both were 'new' here, but soon established ourselves in the cultural scene, programming film events, music festivals and club nights. I set up my own business, offering interior design and fashion styling services and selling Scandinavian designed products. I also sing with my own band and work as a DJ, performing at The Sage and many other venues.

Falling in love in England was easy, but falling in love with England was not.

England felt 'backwards' compared to technologically advanced Finland and moving here was a financial disaster. Over twenty years work experience and two degrees have meant nothing; I felt I was bundled up with unskilled teenagers. Every job I have done for other than myself has been for minimum pay.

It infuriates me that foreigners or refugees are seen as coming for 'free money'. I have worked with many such people by running workshops and no-one comes here without a good reason, and even for those in serious need the benefits are very limited.

It took me ten years to feel England was my home; now I miss it when I’m abroad. I rarely feel alone as friendly and extroverted behaviour is the norm. Even I have been called 'chatty', which would never have been the case in Finland! I lost my wealth and status, but gained love and new opportunities to express myself.

Newcastle Civic Centre