Briony Beattie 

I grew up during a time of turmoil when Rhodesia was heading toward independence and there was an ongoing civil war. A farmer’s daughter, I lived in Zimbabwe for twenty-five years before the injustices of its political upheaval forced my family to immigrate to the UK in 2000.

I am a disabled woman with cerebral palsy. This has affected three of my limbs, my right arm and both my legs. I started writing as part of a healing process in the hope of putting some ghosts to rest and hopefully finding and accepting some inner peace. Everyday life is exceptionally difficult for me to cope with, both in a physical and mental context. However, through my exposure to the amazing stories of the servicemen and women who have been injured, whether physically and/or mentally in recent wars I have been inspired by their courage and determination to heal and move beyond their disabilities, often soldiering on, no matter what! This has helped me on a personal level when I have my own times of self-doubt. I am extremely humbled and grateful for the motivation these brave men and women continue to provide me.

Through the years and wherever possible, I have tried to support veterans, as I have the utmost admiration for all who serve their country, so it was with great consideration and respect that, I decided to write about a wounded veteran. By using my own experiences and challenges of living with a disability I felt I could bring the story and emotion to life.

The Fit For Purpose trilogy is a dedication to all who serve.