My Story

Hello and welcome to my website!

I am a published author, poet, professional blogger and inspirational speaker who loves nothing better than using the power of words to inform, inspire and motivate others.

Though I am happy to write and speak on any given topic, my expertise is in the area of caregiving.

Writing and speaking from personal experience; my topics cover all aspects relating to caring for a loved one with terminal illness, including- pain management, symptom control and coping with grief, both before and after a loved one has died.

I also talk about hope and how the art of positive thinking can help you to move through grief and go on to achieve things you never thought possible.

Shortly after my husband Brian and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, we learned that our life together was coming to an end. Diagnosed with mesothelioma (asbestos related cancer) at the age of 52, Brian was not expected to live for a year. He survived for two.

Caring for him as he journaled to the end of his life was a deeply humbling and heartbreaking experience that taught me the true meaning of love and the strength of the human spirit.

Widowed at the age of 51, I channelled my grief into helping others.

Since writing Lean on Me, the true story of Brian’s courageous battle with cancer and my emotional journey of care, and its sequel Looking Forward – Looking Back: The Grieving Journey,  I am frequently invited to speak to Palliative Care groups, Silver Chain, Nursing staff members and volunteers, as well as the general public about caring for the terminally at home; the importance of pain management and symptom control to quality of life, and coping with grief before and after the death of a loved one.

My books, speeches and other services I provide, come from my heart— combining helpful information along with deeply moving excerpts and poems from my personal diary, they offer a rare insight into the roller coaster of emotions we experience when caring for a dying loved one.

I am also available to offer support and advise to caregivers on a one-on-one basis, through my ‘Carer’s Comfort and Support service.