About

Welcome to ‘Women of Spirit’

The idea was born in 2005, when I handed in my second project for my photography degree – a documentary project based on a phrase we had been given: “Do not pass me by”. When I put forward my idea of ‘Women of Spirit’ – to photograph and interview ‘ordinary’ women; unknown, uncelebrated, and just like you and me, my tutor liked the idea but wondered where I might find these women. Well, all I had to do was listen, for they were – and still are – all around me.

I handed in my project just before one of the most traumatic events of my life, the discovery of my husband’s affair. Receiving an ‘A’ grade and being told that my project could indeed eventually become a book gave me much needed encouragement, as did the incredible generosity of spirit, coupled with modesty, which oozed from every woman featured.

All these years later, here we are, contributing to something which, at its very heart, is for the inspiration of other ‘ordinary’ women in times of heartbreak, loneliness or pain – and of course to celebrate your lives and how you have faced and overcome adversity in all its many guises. It is my vision to share our stories with women who need support and inspiration.

My aim is for you to know that you are not alone. And in this, I, and all the other women of spirit, are with you all the way, for by working collaboratively we can achieve so much more.

“I had never met anyone who had been through what I had, so sharing my experiences for the book felt like a ‘problem shared.’ I suffer from a rare condition called acromegaly, so this was also an opportunity to also raise awareness. Hopefully this will give other women the strength to talk about the inner battles they face and the ripple effect will be a power of good for the world.” Kate