The turning point in my life came when my twin brother died, when we were 22. That booted me out of my comfort zone. My journey was slow at first because I took a physical route, travelling to and round Australia, but gradually I learnt that the more rewarding adventures are the inner journeys, and I now wholeheartedly believe that our most painful experiences are our best teachers. Coming to terms with our own mortality is a fantastically useful achievement.

I became interested in alternative therapies when I had illnesses which couldn’t be addressed by conventional medicine, although when I gave birth I was very grateful for western medicine. So I do acknowledge there is a place for surgery, but I’m very wary of it and of allopathic drugs. Most of my clients turn to alternatives as a last resort, having had distressing or frustrating experiences with conventional medicine.

I’ve earned a living as a Press & P.R. Officer in theatres, then as a holistic therapist. Back in 2003 and then for the last eight years I’ve had both paid and voluntary work as a therapist at St. Luke’s Hospice, Sheffield, providing treatments for the patients and their relatives and carers. I have worked for South Yorkshire Police, providing Reiki, Seichem, Indian head massage and stress management workshops. I’ve worked voluntarily for the Lone Twin Network and Sheffield Eating Disorders Group.