Born in Reading, Rachael relocated to South Africa aged 2 and was raised in White River, Nelspruit. She grew up surrounded by nature and spent many weekends horse riding, tubing in the dam, or exploring the beauty of the Kruger National Park. This upbringing allowed her the opportunity to learn Afrikaans, before returning to England aged 14, where her family settled in the countryside just outside of London.

A keen swimmer, Rachael swam competitively at a national level in South Africa and continues to enjoy tennis, netball, and cricket. In her spare time, Rachael volunteers in primary schools and hopes to qualify for a place at university with the ambition to become a paediatric nurse.