On Swallows’ Wings
A memoir of hope
Lesley Pendlebury
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Mental health was not something you talked about openly in the 1960s, but Lesley Hughes was determined to beat the anxiety that plagued her. She longed for a purpose, a stable relationship, and a family – but all were elusive. The author was born in a small town on the Welsh border, but a move to the Home Counties and a subsequent separation from her peers at school contributed to an early sense of unbelonging that persisted through much of her adult life. This led her, at twenty-five, to admit herself to a once notorious mental hospital, where she spent long, listless months, hoping for something to change. But it was here that she began to see that the answer to her problem lay within herself.
Lesley’s empathy for those unlike ‘everyone else’ – the immigrants, the displaced, the lonely or the lost – led her into a series of unique relationships. Yet she still could not quite manage to find herself, that is until the day that she met Mr Fox. This maverick solicitor placed a value on Lesley that she had not been able to place on herself. His belief in her encouraged Lesley along the road to self-discovery and self-acceptance. The qualities of compassion, understanding and lack of judgement of others that she found within herself would lead Lesley to a rich life, with a successful career in family law, a happy marriage and, ultimately, to a level of peace and understanding of which many only dream. Lesley’s subsequent resilience in remaining authentic and true to her real nature through the rest of her life will be an inspiration to the many who struggle with having to mould themselves to others’ expectations. The most incredible read. I was riveted. And despite my long workdays, I found myself reading it at all hours of the night. Susan Cummings, CFO
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This powerful, gripping and beautifully written story shines like a beacon on the hill, calling us to remember that it is not our outer circumstances that ultimately shape us but our willingness to look within and find the blessing of redemption that can also come. Ruth Van Reken, author, founder of Families in Global Transition
The current of hope is strong throughout. Like a piece of music playing quietly in the background, sometimes the tone changes, sometimes it’s not such an easy listen, but it’s still there. Eleanor Whittles, Community Nurse – Homeless Outreach
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