[1] Tolfrey told Jim Al-Khalili that as a child she had dreamed of becoming an Olympian,[2] Tolfrey studied a Sport Science degree at Manchester Metropolitan University,[3] graduating with a 1st class degree and was awarded the Exercise and Sport Science Department's Department Prize for best all-round undergraduate prize in 1993.
Her doctoral research focused on the physiology and propulsion technique of wheelchair racers, advocating for new technologies in the sport, while working part-time as a Research Assistant for the British Wheelchair Racing Association.
Tolfrey joined the staff at GB wheelchair basketball as a sport scientist.
She worked with the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Association, where she developed and oversaw and guided the applied sport programme for the 2016 Summer Paralympics Games.
[6] Tolfrey's recent key research initiatives that has moved Para sport forward include:[7]