Writing
Rachel discovered a love for writing when she realised it was just like talking, but without the interruptions. After completing local creative writing courses she was commended in the Carers UK writing competition in 2014. The extract submitted later became the prologue toy memoir, The Skies I’m Under.
As well as published works and personal blog, Rachel has advocated and campaign for families of people with complex needs with articles for Simple Stuff Works, Scope, PMLD link, Together for Short Lives, Kidz2Adultz, Disabled Children’s Partnership and many more.
Themes throughout her writing include communication, co-production, community and how we face life’s challenges. Using nursing knowledge, research and lived experience she has worked with BHTA and Cornwall Partnership Trust amongst others to create bespoke literature and marketing to ensure it reflects the needs and experience of families.
Rachel’s partnership with Simple Stuff Works, in 2017 which developed, edited and produced a series of animations about postural care was ‘Highly Commended’ in the British Healthcare Trade Association Awards 2017 for accessible marketing.
Faith
Rachel has an evolving faith and her second book, Shattered, was written alongside her husband, Tim. Published by CWR, it uses 40 reflections to walk with someone going through life with the feeling that it just isn’t going the way they expected.
She is passionate about shaping the way the church views people with disabilities and how a church who reflects God cannot by its nature exclude people made in Her image. As the parents of a child with a life-limiting condition Rachel and Tim have deepened their view of a God who values rather than pities. Of a faith which celebrates community and interdependence above independence. In a belief that although God does not want us to suffer, our brokenness can be used to become one of the most powerful and beautiful parts of living well.