Description
Join Rona Hurst and Barnsley poet Simon Beech for a moving celebration of A Wish to Speak.
Born in Barnsley in 1967 with cerebral palsy, Rona has spent a lifetime challenging the low expectations placed upon her and finding ways for her voice to be heard. In this powerful new biography, written with Simon, her story of determination, dignity and resilience comes vividly to life.
Simon is a Barnsley writer and poet whose work has appeared in Black Bough, Dream Catcher and Dreich. Hear how this remarkable book came together and meet the authors behind Rona’s inspiring story.
About the Authors
Rona Hurst
Rona Hurst was born in Barnsley in 1967 with cerebral palsy. Although it was thought she wouldn’t live the night, she went on to live a full life, studying at college and then working for the NHS for many years, with numerous other achievements to her name, the latest being her autobiography. A Wish to Speak details the challenges she faced and how she overcame them, with humour and a generous helping of Barnsley grit.
Simon Beech
Simon Beech is a writer and poet from Barnsley who helped Rona write and publish A Wish to Speak. He has had poems published in journals and books published by Black Bough, Dream Catcher and Dreich among others, and was commissioned by Barnsley Civic to publish his first collection of poems for his local museum in Darfield.
About the Chair
Peg Alexander
Peg Alexander is a Leeds-based, award-winning broadcaster, presenter and journalist working across television, radio, podcasts and live events. A former politician, public policy professional and charity CEO, she is an expert in people-powered change and currently leads a non-profit network supporting people in debt. Her first book, a travel-inspired memoir, is forthcoming.
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