There are many who have inspired me to write this book and many more who have helped me. There are many, too, who have shared their stories or sought my help. Massive appreciation to you all.
I’d like to thank, in particular, those who helped me with drafts, ideas, facts and other specialist input – Kathy Abernethy, Jan Adams, Ella Aziz, Kirsty Birnstiel, Carole Bozkurt, Dr Sue Brook, Julie Brown, Catherine Daley, Gemma Dale, Diane Danzebrink, Ruth Devlin, Hazel Dyason, Mel Haines, Jayne Harrison, Pauline Hill, Beth Hughes, Dr Alyson Jones, Jane Lewis, Parmjeet Mand, Gill McKay, Kate Mitchell, Gethin Nadin, Polly Plunkett-Checkemian, Perry Timms, Juliette Sacher, Sarah Scarratt, Suzi Sharples, Rachel Suff, Penny Tompkins, Karen Trewin, Maria Van der Veer and Natasha Wallace.
Jill Gatcum, thank you for your friendship. You have been an inspiration, a guide and the best friend a woman could ask for.
To the whole team at LID Business Media – your support and encouragement have been fantastic throughout.
To my amazing husband Neil and our fabulous girls Ava and Mae – you are the light in my day.
This book is dedicated to my adored brother Alasdair ‘Bunny’ who probably never thought I’d write a book but always believed I could.