Sorry for the duplication – this didn’t publish properly this morning so I’ve had to re-publish.
I’m joined by Sara Crosland today who is sharing #TenThings she’d like her readers to know about her. Sara’s book, Sickbeds to Summits, follows her journey from her diagnosis with a brain tumour to her determination to overcome the challenges she faced after surgery. Thanks to Love Books Tours for having me along as part of the tour.
1. I live in Cheshire with my husband, our family and pet dog, Hugo, who is so lazy I swear he should have been a cat!
2. Sickbed To Summits is my first (and hopefully not my last) book! I have learnt a lot about myself during the writing process, I can’t wait to start another writing project. It really has been a learning curve to see just what is involved in the entire publishing process… I sometimes feel that writing the book was the easy part!
3. I love a challenge – I love physically and mentally pushing myself further than I have ever gone before and seeing just how my body copes. Human beings can really be quite incredible!
4. I used to work in a school, but now I own a portrait studio where I work with children and families, and particularly enjoy working with those children with disabilities and additional needs. It is rewarding to know I can give them a photoshoot experience that many of us just take for granted.
5. I suppose I have always been quite creative, with a love of music, art, photography and now writing.
6. I love to travel. The more off the beaten track I can get, the better! I have a very long wish list of places I hope to get to, sooner rather than later.
7. I enjoy seeing others overcome obstacles and challenges.
8. I am sharing my experiences of how my surgery left me unable to walk, permanently profoundly deaf on one side and having to relearn how to balance, in the hope it will help those who find themselves in a similar situation.
9. When I finished my degree, I swore I would never again read a book!
10. The mountains are my happy place!
From the back of the book
When Sara was first diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, like many others, she went straight to the internet. Finding seemingly endless accounts of surgery, often with permanent, unwanted side effects, she was determined to make the best of the hand she’d been dealt. Despite several serious complications, Sara has returned to living life to the full; embracing every opportunity and taking on numerous, seemingly impossible challenges.
Sickbed to Summits documents the ups and downs of life with a brain tumour diagnosis, and how through drive and determination, despite losing half her hearing and having to relearn to balance and walk unaided, Sara has made it through treatment, exceeding all expectations to fulfil her quest for challenge and adventure. She shares the enormous part that building resilience and developing a positive mindset played in her journey from sickbed to summits, and beyond.
“…an amazing role model to those having to go through similar treatment.”
Professor Simon Lloyd
Consultant Neurotologist and Professor of Otolaryngology
About the Author
Having been diagnosed and treated for an acoustic neuroma brain tumour in 2018, Sara has become an outspoken speaker, advocate, and charity ambassador. On a mission to empower individuals, she aims to share her knowledge of how to develop a positive mindset and build resilience, in order to give others the very best chance of overcoming adversity. Sara’s unique straight talk, combined with humour and inspiration has made her a sought after speaker for conferences and events. Living with her family in Cheshire, England, she continues to take on challenges to fundraise and raise awareness of brain tumours and hidden disabilities, alongside running her photography studio.
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