Tanni was born on 26th July 1969 in Cardiff, Wales and Christened 'Carys Davina'. When her two-year-old sister, Sian, first sees baby Carys, she lovingly calls her 'tiny' or as she pronounces it, 'tanni'. The name sticks!
Young Tanni has to wear callipers and first uses a wheelchair at the age of seven. From the outset, her parents are supportive and encourage her independent streak. Teachers at Birchgrove Primary School remember her as a little girl determined to find out for herself what she can and can't do. It isn't long before Tanni is an accomplished all rounder at sports, enjoying swimming, archery and horse riding.