Hazel Trudeau

By Andrew Bond
Doncaster Free Press (written 2005)

A FRESHLY published inspirational poet has proved that if you follow your dreams they really can come true.

For Hazel Trudeau's piece "Change" has appeared in critically acclaimed author, Richard McCann's book - "Into the light" - which is set for worldwide success.

Richard, now 37, had a troubled past - his mother, Wilma, was killed by the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, when he was five-years-old. 'Into the Light' is a follow up to his number one bestseller,’ Just a boy'. Both books chronicle his battle with grief and coming to terms with such a loss -and most recent happiness found in family life. The poem, which is featured at the front of his narrative, was snapped up by the Leeds-based man because he felt it could relate so vividly to his life.

"When I first read it, it was absolutely beautiful," he said. "I thought it was appropriate to the changes which have taken place in my life over the last couple of years."

Hazel's path, rather like Richard's, is a story of particular triumph over adversity - hitting the depths and rising up from the ashes. The 29-year-old, of Doncaster, developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ M.E seven years ago - a debilitating illness which creates overwhelming fatigue, exhaustion, multiple chemical and food sensitivity, allergy, candidiasis and depression; and its cause is often unexplainable.

As a teen and into her early twenties, the former Hatfield High school pupil was a real adventure girl. Living the dream, traveling the world care free and partying, before settling into an idyllic life in Sydney, Australia, where she did various modeling assignments, film work and ran a health and fitness Club. At weekends her interests were rock-climbing and motorbike riding - an active life filled with sport. But the good life was soon to be shattered with the development of CFS/M.E which for years remained a mystery. At the same time she also developed multiple allergies to food, chemicals and the environment. In short, she became allergic to the 20th century and even the slightest chemical/food exposure would worsen her already severe condition.

It was the beginning of a long term physical and mental battle. At the depths she often didn't have the energy to sit up, friends were lost, and her active social life became a reclusive existence in a tiny flat. "At times I've felt as though I was living in a nightmare - I was literally trapped in my body and no matter what I tried I couldn't get well- It took everything I had to keep going,'" she said.

With long periods spent home alone she started reading more about her many symptoms and ways to combat them and recover, for it was clear doctors could not help. Indeed, amid the adversity was to begin a voyage of self discovery and a platform for a dream to be born - to help people and make a difference in the world. She said: 'For years I had been going from one thing to another, but I never felt fulfilled or even truly happy - I now feel the illness was like a wake-up call - to change my life and focus on the bigger picture. "Writing rhyming poetry was the way I could express myself and communicate the many insights and discoveries I’d made- and largely still is"

Returning to Britain and her family home in Doncaster, 16 months ago, Hazel, though still battling CFS/ M.E, is improving immeasurably by doing the things she loves - including swapping nightclubs with meditation, organic food and nature - and gradually her energy is returning.

She now has a repertoire of some thirty poems chronically her discoveries and life path - inspiring pieces that everyone could relate to. 'Journey' for instance describes a pattern through life - so many options and avenues to explore, and 'Princess and the Artist' is a beautiful inspirational children's story -another poem she regularly performs to groups.

She is placing the poems in 2 books to be published shortly and is a regular speaker at various functions. Having her piece in Richard's book marked another major milestone in her rapidly developing career. "People have said that my poetry contains important healing insights and valuable messages so it’s a great feeling to know that my work is being read around the world- . I feel fortunate to be doing something I love and I am deeply passionate about," she said. "My hope is that the poems will inspire people, help them look within, and where needed change their perspectives. After all, that's what they have done for me."

To find out more about Hazel and her poems, or to hire her as a speaker, go to http://www.hazeltrudeau.com/,
or contact: 07854453001.
Richard's book 'Into the Light' is now available to buy in most bookshops. Visit his website at www.richardmccann.co.uk