A WEST Devon woman is joining a number of household names this week at the Fortnum and Mason store in London to launch a new book to promote the work of a national charity.

Clare Winsor from Lamerton was invited by the Elizabeth Finn Care charity to contribute to 'Tea and Teardrops'. It will feature her story alongside 27 autobiographies from celebrities, accounting difficult times they have experienced in their lives and how they got through them.

Among the stars will be Lynda Bellingham, Lionel Blair, Roy Hudd, Rebecca Adlington, Perry Fenwick, Simon Weston, Kate Adie and Rakie Ayola.

Clare, 48, was asked to contribute after receiving help from the charity herself, following her escape from an abusive marriage. She was forced to run away from her home with two of her three children, with little money and no possessions to her name.

A beneficiary for five years, Clare no longer receives financial support from Elizabeth Finn Care, but works to raise awareness of the charity, and other organisations that can help people through times of emotional and financial difficulty.

Clare said: 'I was really on my knees when I first approached Elizabeth Finn Care for help. I had to get out of my marriage, as the abuse I had suffered for years became intolerable.

'As my children were growing up, I also became more and more concerned about the effect the abuse was having on them.

'When I finally escaped, I left with absolutely nothing but a huge sense of relief and elation.

'At the same time, my heart was also breaking, as I was forced to leave my youngest child behind.

'It has taken a heartbreaking eight years to get him back into my life on a regular basis.'

A close friend of hers, who had been helped by Elizabeth Finn Care, recommended she call them to see if she qualified for assistance.

A grant was followed up with support of around £80 a month — a lifeline to a woman who said she couldn't even afford to change a light bulb.

'Poverty limited what I could do — it took away my freedom and affected my self-esteem,' said Claire.

To add to her troubles her father was diagnosed with cancer, her son was hospitalised for 10 days, then when she thought things could not possibly get any worse, she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.

But thanks to the support of Elizabeth Finn Care she eventually came out the other side, has had successful treatment for her breast cancer and has now trained as a counsellor, focusing on addiction counselling and helping women who have suffered mental and physical abuse.

Clare said: 'I also met a new partner, who is absolutely fabulous, and we have started a business together so I no longer need financial support.

'Life is better now, and I have a gained so much awareness through my journey.

'I have a deep gratitude for all the help I received. I hope I can now make a difference to other people who may find themselves in difficult times.

'The Elizabeth Finn Care is marvellous.

'I am so grateful for their help at a very difficult time in my life and if I could do anything to give back something to them, or to others who find themselves in a similar situation, I would gladly do so.'

'Tea and Teardrops' is published by Shoehorn Media and is available in hardback from all good book stores priced at £18, with royalties going direct to Elizabeth Finn Care – the funds will be used to continue helping people in financial difficulty.

Clare recommends to parents, who find themselves in a similar predicament to herself, the website http://www.alienatedparent.co.uk">www.alienatedparent.co.uk or she can be contacted herself by email on [email protected]">[email protected]