Former gym instructor finds inspiration in a book

Published Thursday 4 August 2016 at 15:36

A Blackburn Leisure Centre employee had her second book published last week about a powerful comeback she made after a hit-and-run accident.

Davinia Latchana-Rees was run over whilst cycling two years ago, resulting in a shoulder injury which left her unable to carry on her beloved job as Gym Instructor.

The driver was never found but Davinia – who was also affected by a relationship breakdown – has turned the events into something positive by writing Knock Me Down and Watch Me Come Back Stronger.

Left practically disabled and not able to continue teaching life guarding classes, she was moved into the casual role of Membership Advisor at the centre, meaning she could still work for the Council.

The book was Davinia’s way of dealing with what happened and covered her quest to swim 22 miles through the English Channel in 2011.

The Swansea-born writer, who has lived in Blackburn for nine years, said:

I was brought up by the sea and wanted to swim through the Channel since I was a child.

It takes about two years to train for it but I managed to do it in nine months.

I wrote the book to share with others that sometimes our lives can hit a very low period but with determination and passion we can come out stronger.

Davinia’s book was published under the pen name of Rona Octavia, which is made up of her middle names.

She has a book signing at Accrington Library for Knock Me Down and Watch Me Come Back Stronger on September 29.

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