A Quiet Courage is a deeply moving true story of love, loss, and extraordinary bravery in the face of illness.
Fun-loving yet shy, Shirley McCallum was a lively young woman with a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for her horses and the countryside she called home. Intelligent, warm, and full of life, she was happiest riding across the hills with her pony and her faithful collie running close behind. At just twenty-two years old, her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease. What followed was a long and demanding battle that would test not only Shirley's strength, but also the resilience, faith, and endurance of her family.
Although many people now survive this form of cancer, Shirley and those closest to her were faced with overwhelming odds. Through years of treatment, setbacks, and physical suffering, Shirley confronted her illness with remarkable dignity and quiet determination. This book reveals the depth of her courage and the strength of character she showed throughout her ordeal, even when hope seemed fragile.
"Shirley was a lively, intelligent and beautiful girl with an impish sense of humour who loved her horses. We admired the way she coped with her illness, but until we read this book, we had no idea of the full extent of her strength over the years of suffering. Her personality shines throughout the book, along with those of her parents and David, her husband.
"This is a book which cannot be put down. Having read it, one's own trials and tribulations of living pale into insignificance compared to those faced by Shirley and her family. It will ensure that her memory lives on as an inspiration to others."
- Sir Michael and Sal Strang Steel, Shirley's former employers
"You cannot fail to be impressed by Shirley's strength of character as she fought her battle against lymphoma. Although she was too ill to receive her 'Great Scot' award in person in 1996, we were humbled by her story, and those of other nominees. It was an emotional rollercoaster of an evening for us, but nothing compared to what Shirley herself, and her parents, must have endured."
- Gavin Hastings, former Scotland rugby captain
"Jim's voice trembled when he read the speech Shirley had written, as he collected her 'Great Scot' award from the Sunday Mail. He and his wife cried; we all joined in. Jim once told me that writing things down helped him come to terms with the struggle his little girl was facing. This is the result. It's simply written, brutally honest, and a fine tribute to a brave girl."
- Archie Mackay, Special Projects Editor, Sunday Mail
Written with honesty, compassion, and restraint, A Quiet Courage is a lasting testament to a young woman whose bravery left a profound mark on everyone who knew her. Above all, it is offered in the hope that Shirley's story will inspire others facing serious illness, reminding them that courage does not always shout-it can exist quietly, steadfastly, and with enduring grace.
All profits from the sale of this book will go to the Scotland and Newcastle Lymphoma Group.
