LISA Cherry had a tough start in life.

She was born in a home for unmarried mothers in Wrexham and spent her teenage years switching from one foster home to another.

After beating alcoholism at the age of 20, she started to turn her life around.

She took a degree in sociology at Goldsmiths College in London and spent the next 18 years working in the social services sector helping children and families through difficult times.

Two years ago, the 42-year-old mother-of-two from Witney helped to set up the business group Networking Women in Oxfordshire.

She has gained national recognition for her new book Soul Journey, which tells the story of how 15 women from across the country overcame adversity.

The health and well-being therapist, who runs her own business Holistic Health, won the author category in the Women Inspiring Women awards and picked up her prize in Birmingham earlier this month.

Her self-published book is available on Amazon and is expected to be available in a number of local bookstores.

Ms Cherry, of Waterford Road, said: “I was delighted to get this award for Soul Journey in the same week that my book is being published.

“The book is about different women overcoming adversity. These stories are told by women including those who have recovered from depression or breast cancer. They share their journey and celebrate their recovery and I hope readers find that inspiring.

“I was nominated for the award by Beverley Jones, a woman from Cardiff who suffered depression.

“As well as selling the book on Amazon, I am intending to sell it at some local bookshops.”

Ms Cherry said she left the Networking Women group in October to focus on her writing and her business.

One of the Networking Women ventures Ms Cherry took part in was a fundraising calendar, with all the proceeds going to Breast Cancer Haven.

She said: “The network is still going strong in different parts of Oxfordshire.”

The official launch of the book takes place at the O3 Gallery at a ticketed event at the Oxford Castle on Saturday, at 7.30pm, with future signings planned next month at Oxfordshire bookstores.

The Women Inspiring Women awards were held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the NEC in Birmingham.

Ms Cherry said: “There were eight women shortlisted in the author category but we were shortlisted from hundreds of entries.

“None of the women in my book are looking for sympathy – the stories are educative and all about the recovery process and the life you can lead after suffering a traumatic experience.

“I believe lots of people will take something positive from the book when they read it.”

* Soul Journey cost £12.99 on Amazon and will sell locally for £9.99. For further information visit lisacherry.co.uk