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My Story

I was made redundant in 2012 from a job that I had become very passionate about. At one time I was nominated as a ‘community hero’ by our local MP and taken to No 10 Downing Street for tea with the Prime Minister. This was a reflection of the achievements of not only myself but our wonderful team of staff and volunteers.

After I left I suffered from anxiety and depression and later that year decided to do something different. I discovered a creative writing course with a very inspiring teacher. It turned out to be part of an Access to University course and in 2013 I was starting my first year at The University of Kent at Medway. I made some wonderful new friends on the writing course, three of whom ended up doing the same Social Sciences degree course.

Then in the New Year of 2015 all this came to an abrupt halt. I was suddenly admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia. I will never forget how I felt when I was told I had cancer. I spent many weeks of that year in hospital and had a very tough time, ending up in the high dependency unit with tubes everywhere, but was very lucky to have wonderful nursing and medical staff and terrific support from my close family and friends. During this time I started my blog www.wavesandpebbles.blog, which gave me something to focus on. Thankfully I survived my treatment and eventually returned to university to complete my degree.

I graduated in the Summer of 2017 with an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Social Sciences (Sociology and Social Policy). It was a very proud moment when I received my award.

My dissertation was on the Sociology of Everyday Life, in particular Sense of Belonging. I had an ‘aha’ moment when I realised I had discovered an approach that would enhance and bring something unique to my coaching service. I am therefore excited to include the exploration of sense of belonging within my work, particularly in relation to people, place, nature and belonging through time.

In the summer of 2017, feeling totally refreshed following a wonderful road trip around the UK with my daughter, I had the amazing opportunity to train as a Sue Stone Foundation Coach, enabling me to bring Sue’s uniquely inspiring, positive and transformational approach to my work.

Empowering You Beyond Your Dreams

 

Downing Street

 

Kay Graduation

 

Kay Underdown and Sue Stone

 

Sunset

 

 

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