About...
Prologue
Kath Radford, the youngest of five siblings, was born in Middlesbrough and spent her formative years in the charming seaside town of Redcar, North Yorkshire. After completing her nursing training with the NHS, Kath embarked on an exciting career in the army, where she served for several years in Aldershot, Cambridgeshire, and Munster, Westphalia, Germany. Upon returning to the UK, she pursued further education and earned a masters degree in psychology from Teesside University.
With a passion for healthcare, Kath previously excelled in her career as a senior nurse, particularly in critical care, where she earned recognition as an award-winning sister. She brought a wealth of experience and dedication to her role, having made a lasting impact on the lives of countless patients.
Today, Kath enjoys a quieter pace of life, residing in a picturesque village along the banks of the River Tees, just outside Darlington, County Durham. She shares her home with her beloved cockapoo, Biddy, who keeps her company on countryside walks and village adventures.
The Full Back Story
Kath Radford’s journey began at the local secondary modern school in Redcar, where she quickly distinguished herself and ultimately became head girl. Kath would often explore the dark, mysterious cellars and attic rooms of the pub her parents ran for a few years, which fuelled her active imagination. At age seven, her parents bought a toy and gift shop. It was here that Kath’s adventurous spirit took flight—having heard tales of a secret tunnel leading from the shop to the beach, she traded the fantasy of bogeymen in the attic for that of smugglers, inspired by her love for Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Though she never found the mythical passage, she spent many happy hours searching for it. She also took every chance to sneak into the store cupboard to try out the toys before returning them to their boxes, a childhood memory she fondly recalls.
As a young girl, Kath balanced her love for reading with outdoor activities. She was passionate about hockey and spent many weekends walking in the Cleveland Hills and the Lake District, cultivating a lifelong love of nature and adventure.
When it came time to choose a career, Kath explored several paths, including the idea of becoming a nun (inspired more by The Sound of Music than any deep religious conviction!) and even considered joining the police force. Ultimately, it was nursing that captured her heart. She moved to Darlington to begin her training at the local NHS hospital. During this time, her love for the outdoors led her to the dales, where she immersed herself in the stunning landscapes while drawing inspiration from the tales of James Herriot. It was also during this period that Kath’s creative side began to emerge, and she secretly started writing poetry in between her studies.
After completing her nursing training, Kath joined the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC), beginning as a lieutenant and later rising to the rank of captain. She cherished her time in the army, serving in both southern England and Germany, where she formed lifelong friendships. Eventually, Kath returned to the NHS and took on the role of ICU sister, playing a key role in establishing the intensive care services at the local hospital. A true pioneer in her field, she was a founding member of the British Association of Critical Care Nurses (BACCN), serving both regionally and nationally for a decade. Her dedication and contributions to nursing were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious McKeown Gold Medal for her impact on the art and science of nursing.
Following her time with BACCN, Kath completed her master's degree in health psychology and became a leading figure in bereavement care within intensive care settings. Despite her demanding career, she always made time for her passions outside of work. She spent countless hours hiking with her dogs across her beloved dales, enjoying canal boat holidays, and even learning to scuba dive. A magical safari in Kenya sparked a lifelong love of Africa. A voracious reader, Kath maintained her literary interests, from her early love of Roald Dahl to discovering the world of Harry Potter long before it became a global phenomenon.
After retiring early due to a back injury, Kath turned to writing as a new creative outlet. She joined a writing class and quickly settled down to write her first novel, "Beyond Belief". Alongside her writing, Kath enjoys wildlife photography and takes great joy in encouraging local hedgehogs and foxes to visit her garden. Now, she continues to draw on her rich life experiences to fuel her imagination and creativity, embarking on yet another exciting chapter of her journey.
