Taking time to read on holiday is one of my favourite ways to relax and recharge. There’s something special about losing yourself in a good book while unwinding in a serene setting. Though I don’t usually gravitate towards autobiographies, I couldn’t resist diving into Adele Roberts’ book.
‘Personal Best’ is a compelling story of DJ and presenter, Adele Roberts, who bravely shares her journey through a bowel cancer diagnosis. Her account covers the harrowing experience of surgery, leading to an ileostomy—a procedure where part of the bowel opens to the stomach with a bag to collect waste —and the gruelling challenges of chemotherapy. Despite these immense obstacles, Adele’s resilience shines through as she decided to run the London Marathon just 18 months after her life-saving surgery and treatment.
The book is an emotional rollercoaster: honest, funny, inspirational, and heartwarming. Adele’s story is not just about her struggles and triumphs over illness, but also about the incredible spirit and determination she displayed throughout her journey. Her candid reflections provide a deeply personal insight into the physical and emotional battles she faced.
What many of you might not know is that I also have an ileostomy, which I’ve named Betty (Adele calls hers Audrey). It’s funny how we personalise and connect with our stomas because they become an integral part of our lives. Reading about Adele’s experiences and her relationship with Audrey resonated deeply with me, making her story even more poignant and relatable.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone. Adele celebrates the people in her life who shaped the person she is today. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone faces unseen battles, but with a strong will, determination, and support from loved ones, we can overcome anything. Her narrative is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of never giving up.
Adele’s quote in her book, “What the mind believes, the body can achieve,” particularly struck a chord with me. It’s a profound affirmation of the power of positive thinking and determination. Perhaps I might run a marathon one day, inspired by Adele’s incredible journey and her unwavering belief in herself.
