BRIGHT Millie

General
BUSINESS OWNER
In December 2020 she and fellow English footballer Rachel Daly started a business called 'DalyBrightness'. "We want to give back and make a difference. We've recently just released our very own DB clothing line and [have] previously done charity work which we want to continue. Our aim is solely to make a difference in the world and give people an insight into our lives as people not footballers." (LinkedIn profile, 01 Dec 2020)

EARLY DAYS
Before signing a professional contract with Chelsea, she worked two part-time jobs alongside playing semi-professional football for Doncaster Rovers Belles. "I was a fitness instructor at a leisure centre, a horse groom and I had to manage my football on top of that. It was hard but I just had to juggle everything in semi-pro. But that's what happens in women's football, some players are lucky enough to start with a professional contact, but some have started with nothing, doing two and three jobs, fighting to be professional." (derbyshiretimes.co.uk, 17 Sep 2019; thesun.co.uk, 15 Sep 2019)

HORSES
She grew up riding horses and playing football, but chose to pursue a career in football when she was approached by Chelsea. "We grew up with horses for as long as I can remember and I could ride when I was three. Horses were our life rather than a hobby and they always will be but when I got an offer from Chelsea I had to choose football." (chelseafc.com, 08 Sep 2019; derbyshiretimes.co.uk, 17 Sep 2019)

YOUTH ILLNESS
She was diagnosed with pneumonia at eight days old, and went on to struggle with asthma and whooping cough throughout her youth. "I was quite ill as a baby and in and out of hospital a lot with my whooping cough, but [breathing difficulties] run in the family, so it was pretty much expected. I don't like excuses or a pity story, I'm not that sort of person. Once you get educated on it, it's one of those things you can deal with and I don't think you should ever let it hold you back. I wouldn't say I've ever missed anything due to my asthma. I've either just got on with it or dealt with the coughing. I was never going to let it stop me playing." (telegraph.co.uk, 30 May 2018)