Sophie Andrews

    (£1,500 - £2,500)

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Biography

Growing up, Sophie carried a terrible secret. She was her father's slave, in the most horrific ways imaginable. At just a few months old she was adopted by a couple that seemed comfortably off and perfectly respectable to the outside world. But behind closed doors, Sophie's childhood was a living hell.

Sophie's father spent the next decade grooming her for abuse and when Sophie's mother left for good, that very night, he told Sophie that from now on, she would sleep in his bed. Unable to cope, Sophie spiraled into suicidal misery. She began to self-harm to try and escape the agony. But one day she went too far and at 16, ended up in a psychiatric unit. It was here that she finally confronted the horrors of home and began the painful journey of rebuilding her life.

A phenomenally courageous woman, Sophie Andrews now works for the Samaritans and helps other young people in need. Harrowing yet compelling, this is a searing and truly inspirational account of overcoming the worst abuse and self-harm.

‘I wrote the book “Scarred” for me – by that I mean it was a series of diaries, letters and poems that I had written and received that inspired me to pull it together into a book where I could tell the story of my life. It was a cathartic experience and part of the process that has helped me to come to terms with the past. A friend encouraged me to send the first chapter of the manuscript to a literary critique service and much to my surprise the feedback was positive and I was encouraged to find an agent. I was signed by the first agent that I approached and then offered a book deal by the first publisher we met with. I was delighted that Hodder & Stoughton thought my work was good enough to publish and have been swept along ever since with the momentum of having a book published. If my words do help others to understand self harm a little better and help people who are still harming to find other ways to cope then this will all be worthwhile.

I am now 38 years old and after moving from London now live in the North West of England. I currently work as an Assistant Director of a charitable association that helps vulnerable adults and young people. In addition I am now a volunteer for Samaritans and after being Director of my local branch was asked to take on the role of Regional Representative - this means I now support the 19 Samaritan branches in the North West. It is a small way of repaying the organisation back that helped me so much as a child. In my spare time I enjoy writing, reading and foreign travel. I would be happy to answer any questions or queries if you wish to get in touch.’

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