Dear Readers,

Sorry for the radio silence, but I’ve been seriously ill and some activities like maintaining my blog have taken a back seat. I’d like to say that my cancer experience is all behind me, but sadly that is not the case.

One ‘medicine’ which helped me, apart from 21 rounds of chemo and an 8-hour operation, is creative writing. Hence I am delighted to present my new collection of poetry – The Palliative Horse – which is published in paperback and e-book on Amazon!

Paperback via this link

E-book via this link

The links should take you to your appropriate Amazon site. If for some reason links don’t work then typing the title into your Amazon search should Take you to the Palliative Horse. It would be wonderful if you bought a copy, and if you like the book, or it moves you in some way, please leave a review! In return my dog and I will love you forever.

During my research for this book and my title, I discovered there is a real-life palliative horse doing amazing work for terminal patients. His name is Dr Peyo and he visits terminal cancer patients in a hospital in Calais, France. Patients report needing fewer painkillers, and better sleep after his visits. Dr Peyo has a sixth sense about which patients need him the most. Read more about this incredible horse and the comfort he brings here.

Book Description -The Palliative Horse

when I got my ovarian cancer diagnosis in May 2023 I was shocked, incredulous and above all, consumed by grief.The ensuing grind of hospital interventions resulted in a total loss of selfhood. Who was that bald woman in the mirror? I had been reduced to a set of proliferating cells and a bar code by dehumanising hospital protocol.

No longer wife, sister, friend, dancer, writer,
merely black and white stripes.

(excerpt from The Murmuration)

Expressing my emotions through poetry and flash fiction helped me regain my self esteem. This collection takes you through the hope, despair, joy, anger and even humour that accompany this illness. I hope this book makes you feel less alone if you have physical challenges. It will give loved ones and health professionals a greater insight into the devastating emotional impact that cancer brings in its wake.

Back Matter