I experienced abusive relationships and thyroid cancer but I came through it by the grace of God

When I was living in London, my life revolved around the worlds of theatre and fitness. But I found myself trapped in a toxic relationship with an alcoholic.Things got so bad that I had to leave my home and job, and return to my roots in Wales.

I grew up in the Church of Wales, attended on a Sunday and was part of the choir until I left for University. It’s fair to say that I drifted away from my faith while I was a student and got lost in the world. I always believed in God but I hadn’t built an intimate relationship with Christ. The void within me grew as I allowed myself to be led astray by the temptations of the world.

 I stepped into that church and felt an inexplicable transformation occur as I heard the word of God.

After graduating from University, I moved to London and started working in theatre & TV. I dedicated my whole life to my work and even established a personal training business alongside my nine to five. My life seemed promising, yet the weight of an unhealthy relationship burdened me. I got calls from the police at night telling me that my partner had been found lying in the streets. I would avoid parties and longed for an exit. Looking back, I now recognise that God was protecting me and he was trying to get my attention by closing doors.

One day, I made a courageous decision to leave it all behind and start afresh in Wales. I had literally nothing. I was determined though, and I rebuilt my life and established a personal training business once again. As the years passed, I ventured back into film and TV work, even landing a role in a musical called Godspell which ran at my local theatre. Unexpectedly, someone from the musical invited me to their church. I stepped into that church and felt an inexplicable transformation occur as I heard the word of God. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I surrendered my heart to the Lord. I realised that all my previous pursuits had merely been a search for meaning without truly knowing what I was seeking.

That was eight years ago. The early days of my newfound faith were fraught with challenges. I entered a relationship with someone at church, assuming safety due to his Christian label. Little did I know the spiritual battle I was about to face. The relationship turned toxic, and when I sought support from the church, their advice to forgive repeatedly only worsened the situation. I felt as though darkness was pulling me away from my newfound path and identity, threatening to destroy me. This person tormented and blackmailed me for more than three years. He kept telling me that no one would ever believe me if I came out to seek help.

Amidst the turmoil, I clung to God’s word and found solace and strength in my faith. Eventually, I mustered the courage to seek help from Women’s Aid, a decision that would save me from an abusive relationship rooted in a dangerous cult. The path to recovery was not easy, but God’s love and grace carried me through each trial, and restored me completely. I decided to take a year to focus on my journey with the Lord. I wanted to fully comprehend his will and purpose for my life. It was then that I received alife-altering dream.

In this vision, I saw myself as a 12-year-old girl singing in church; a poignant reminder of my past and my lost passion for singing. Though uncertain about my ability to sing or compose songs, I surrendered to God’s calling and embraced the journey He laid out for me. A week later, my health took a drastic turn. My face started to swell, and after numerous tests, I was diagnosed with progressive thyroid cancer. Within three months, I had to undergo an operation and the cancer was removed. Before surgery, the doctor cautioned that removing my entire thyroid could affect my speaking voice and potentially my singing as well. Undeterred, I placed my faith in God’s healing power, knowing that no matter the outcome, he would carry me through.

Before surgery, the doctor cautioned that removing my entire thyroid could affect my speaking voice and potentially my singing as well.

Following two surgeries and treatment, I composed my first song in 2019 and courageously returned to singing in my church. God granted me the strength to overcome, and my voice grew stronger with time. Throughout my journey, I have faced battles and adversity, but with God’s strength, I have emerged victorious each time. All that I have walked through (and when I say walk, I mean climbed, fallen and fought) is by his strength and not my own. Through every trial, God has been my rescuer; He has restored my spirit and purpose.