Sandra Griffiths is an upcoming poet based in Manchester. She began writing poetry as a form of healing and self-care. Her work Becoming Me is her first dance with words on paper.
My Acknowledgements
This book of poems exists because of the many hands, hearts, and voices that carried me through the most di cult and the most beautiful chapters of my life. To each of you named here—and to those whose support lives between the lines—thank you.
Early Foundations
My deepest gratitude goes to Leslie Duggleby, Linda Bancroft, and Catherine Jamieson, who offered unwavering support during some of my most challenging school years. Your kindness helped steady a young girl who often felt lost. To the YWCA, who provided me with a safe place to stay when I became homeless as a young person your support changed the course of my life. I would not be where I am today without the refuge and dignity you offered me at a time when I had so little.
Birth and Healing
My heartfelt thanks to Mary Kenny and Sister Polly, the midwives who stood beside me through the births of all my children. Some of those moments were joyful, others deeply traumatic, but you carried me through each one with compassion, strength, and a level of care that went far beyond your professional roles. I will never forget it.
Safety and Sanctuary
To the Refuge organisation, thank you for providing safety, stability, and understanding when my children and I needed it most. Your support gave us the chance to rebuild.
My Support Network
To Susan and Jo, who walked with me throughout my nursing career thank you for being both colleagues and friends, for lifting me up professionally and personally, and for believing in me even when I doubted myself. To Elaine and Bill, your presence during some of the toughest times in my personal life meant more than words can express. Thank you for stepping in when I was alone with the children and needed someone to lean on. To Sonia Jones, whom I met on a parent survival course and who became a constant source of strength over the years thank you for helping me navigate life with an autistic son, for supporting me as a single mother, and for caring for my daughters when illness left me unable to. Your generosity and friendship have been life-changing.
My Daughters
To my daughters, Sian and Sasha, this book carries your fingerprints as much as mine. Sian, my biggest cheerleader your creativity, your encouragement during my mental health struggles, and your belief in my writing kept me going. You created the rst mock-up from my poetry submissions and guided me through decisions I never thought I d be brave enough to make. Sasha, thank you for helping to organise and type my poems, for shaping them so they made sense, and for your steady encouragement throughout this journey. Your support has been a quiet, constant light.
Publishing Partnership
Finally, my sincere thanks to Pegasus Publishers for giving me the opportunity to share my voice and my story with the world. This novel marks a profound milestone in my life, and your collaborative approach made the process both empowering and unforgettable.
