Born and educated in London, Sarah worked in journalism as a reporter and editor before raising a family In New York and then East Sussex. She lived and worked in Asia and America for a number of years and since returning to the UK has been an active supporter of not for profit arts, education and horticulture organisations. She is a trustee of Hastings Contemporary, Hastings International Piano Competition and the Fairlight Arts Trust, a Patron Governor of Ark Schools and a Founder director of Bridgepoint, Rye. She is a Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, an Honorary Doctor of the University of East Anglia, and a Fellow of the Royal Horticultural Society.