Here are some more detailed details about Chrissy!

I was born on October 30th, 1959, the first child of one of the many Jones' families of Llanrwst in North Wales, UK. This is a photograph of me on my Christening Day.

1959 to 1978
Throughout my formative years, we continued to live in Llanrwst. I started at the local Primary School at the age of 4. The highlight of my time there was playing the part of Mary in the annual Nativity Play.
One of the next milestones in my life was my Confirmation Day (I was 9 years old).

I took the name 'Bernadette'. The bishop of our diocese at that time was the Rt. Rev. Bishop Langton-Fox.
At the age of 11, I moved on to the local Comprehensive School where I stayed until I was 18 years old. I studied a variety of subjects - English, Mathematics, Welsh, French, Latin, Chemistry, Music and Computer Studies.
Not all of my time was spent studying and going to church! I was a keen member of the local Girl Guides - I even went with them to Switzerland, visiting Our Chalet in Adelboden.
Once I had taken my final school examinations, I was ready to move on to University.

1978 to 1981
I spent this period of my life studying at the University College of North Wales, Bangor. In my first year, I studied Psychology, Linguistics and Education - then for my final two years, I specialised in Psychology.
Perhaps it was because I didn't move too far from home but I never really felt happy at University - I went home to Llanrwst most weekends, so I didn't really become very friendly with many of the other students.

1981 to 1982
I decided that I needed a rest from all this study and took a 'year out' before deciding what to do in the future. I did various things during this time - voluntary work at a local school for children with special needs, working in a restaurant and in a local gift shop (not all at the same time, of course!).

1982 to 1983
Now was the time when I had to decide where I was going with my life! I decided to train as a Primary School teacher (ages 4-11) and began my time at the Crewe & Alsager College Of Higher Education (now a part of the Manchester Metropolitan University).
I made some very good friends at Crewe - one of whom was later to become my husband!
I also spent some time in the Netherlands on an exchange visit - staying in Nijmegen, visiting local schools and colleges and also finding some time for sight-seeing!

1983 to 1996
Several very important things happened during these years.

1. I began teaching at St. Catherine's Preparatory School, a small independent (fee-paying) school near Manchester. I taught the 7-8 year-old class to begin with, then was later moved to the 6-7 year-old class.

2.I married Robert Murphy in 1994. As I said previously, we had originally met at Crewe, then drifted apart, then (as often happens!) got back together again.
Our wedding took place on a windy, wet day at the Parish Church of St. Thomas, Stockport.

3. Our son, Deiniol, was born in 1995. What a marvellous difference he has made to our lives! His birth wasn't easy, but it was well worth all the effort. Here he is at just 20 minutes old!



4. I did some part-time study with the Open University towards my Masters degree in Education. This took three years - Year 1, Classroom Research Methods; Year 2, Technology Education; Year 3, Child Development in Social Context. I really enjoyed this form of study, especially the Summer School held in Nottingham during my first year. It's difficult fitting in study time around your working hours, but it can be done! I received my degree in May 1995 from The Right Hon. Miss Betty Boothroyd, the Speaker of the House of Commons (what a name-dropper I am!).

5. In September 1996, it seemed as if everything was about to fall down around our ears when I was diagnosed as having cancer. You can read all about my treatment in My Medical Diary.

1996 to the present day
I have now given up teaching as it was proving to be too stressful and tiring. Imagine, being semi-officially "retired" before the age of 40!!! At least I can now devote more time to being a Mum to Deiniol and to reviving my various hobbies and interests.
It is now the year 2002 and I am feeling much stronger. The cancer is here to stay, but I'm still fighting and able to do a lot more than I ever thought possible! I must have someone looking out for me up there in Heaven!

Last revision: 17th September, 2002