That plain little girl from over the road a neighbour called her. But for Catherine, being plain was not the only problem...

Born in the thirties in a Welsh mining valley, at a time of poverty, hardship and war, Catherine also suffered the humiliation of failing the 11 Plus. Later, on discovering a disturbing family secret, her self-esteem plummeted further. By the time she left school she felt her life had no purpose and contemplated suicide.
But interspersed with feelings of hopelessness were wild, impossible dreams - dreams that one day shed climb out of poverty and change her life. Shed...