Singer-songwriter, recording artist, poet, hairdresser and hatter, Bernadette (also known as B) grew up in a strict Catholic working-class family, and was regarded as a misfit through school, college and beyond. She found solace singing in church and her early creative expression at late-night parties.

Having her symptoms dismissed for ten years by GPs who called her ‘lunatic and hypochondriac’, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and held in the care of the incredible NHS for eleven months. After numerous medical interventions, the prospect of a life on steroids plus irreversible surgery proved challenging for a 28-year-old lone parent. But her feet found another path.

Inspired by the teaching of voice/life coach and friend, Em Whitfield Brooks, and her composer husband Tim Brooks, B found her block and tackle. Eschewing both steroids and colostomy she climbed out of the dark, and discovered a loyal support network, her voice, her songs and her writing. She remains healthy with the help of acupuncture, homeopathy and lately, Bio-Resonance.

A mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, and now an accidental author, Bernadette lives in Yorkshire with her partner of 25 years. Looking for the Last Piece is her first book