BIRCHWOOD well-being coach turned author joined 10 other inspiring women to write a brand-new number 1 best seller which acts as a voice to helping others ‘overcome darkness’.

Melanie Pollard speaks openly in the novel of her lifelong journey overcoming anxiety.

Jumping straight to number 1 in 10 different categories across the Amazon Bestseller Kindle Charts, ‘From the Ashes, She is Ignited: Volume 2’ aims to inspire women to leave behind trauma and ‘live life once more’.

Melanie took her life in a completely new direction after experiencing symptoms of menopause and realising the societal stigma that was attached to the topic.

Deciding her career at the time was no longer bringing her happiness, Melanie re-trained as a well-being coach and has taken courses in menopause coaching - having recently started up Warrington’s first ever menopause pop-up café.

READ MORE Warrington's first ever menopause café launches this month in Croft

But her most recent triumph was part of a bigger project started by founder of The Mamas Ignited Movement, Louisa Herridge.

“The focus of ‘From the Ashes, She is Ignited: Volume 2’ is a powerful retelling of what we have all been through, and what is still possible on the other side,” Melanie said. “Our stories will not be unfamiliar to many women and I’m delighted to be a part of Louisa’s passion project.”

The novel is the second volume of its kind and its pages are filled with empowering stories from women who have ‘risen from the ashes of trauma’ and now live a life filled with ‘positivity, passion and confidence’.

Melanie shares about growing up with anxiety which lasted into adulthood and parenthood and how she finally overcame it, in her chapter ‘Setting the Songbird Free’.

The ten women’s accounts all show strength and unwavering grit. Chapters cover sensitive topics including childhood trauma, mental illness, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorder, divorce, miscarriage, sexual abuse.

“I’m hoping that in our shared accounts, many more women will find the courage and confidence to pick themselves up and go again,” Melanie added.

“I am passionate about sharing my story and experience around anxiety, because I believe in the power of connection and in coming together to overcome adversity.

“If people who may be struggling right now can see what I’ve overcome, and how, I hope it will help them see a way out too.

The book promises a collaborative message of hope to all women.

Louisa Herridge said: “This process is just wonderful. The joy and excitement from the authors behind the scenes gives me such a sense of passion and purpose of knowing that everything that I set out to do with my business and this book is coming to life.”

“The ten women in this book all have one thing in common, strength.

“Their stories will take you from the darkness, heartbreak, and despair of life through the power, strength, and resilience to becoming ignited.

“Melanie courageously put pen to paper to share her experiences so she could inspire and motivate others.

“She has bravely written about her life, transformation, growth, challenges, failures and learnings.”

The birchwood resident now offers one-to-one support, group coaching and other programmes including supporting women with menopause.

You can contact Melanie to access her services on her Facebook page facebook.com/groups/melswellbeinghub

She added: “I am proof that it’s possible to turn your life around. If we can help even just one woman to do the same through the publication of this book, then that makes everything worthwhile for me.”

The best seller can be purchased on Amazon.