Take My Hand: Two best friends, two sons fighting for their lives, one true story about motherhood, grief and hope

'Summer's most shattering book' Daily Mail
‘Brave, heartfelt and moving’ Chat
‘A gripping and heart-wrenching read’ Gill Paul

In this heartfelt, brave and honest account, Kerry Fisher and Pat Sowa share everything they’ve learnt from surviving the darkest of times. They shine a light on what it really feels like when your world shatters and how they found hope in the deepest despair.

Best friends since they met at university, Kerry and Pat had no idea that thirty years later, they’d need every ounce of their friendship to survive. In 2017, their worlds came crashing down when their teenage sons were both diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses within weeks of each other.

During the following rollercoaster months, Kerry and Pat regularly snatched time to message each other – often with black humour – providing a momentary refuge from their frightening realities. Together these two ordinary mums found a way to survive their extraordinary challenges and to navigate a new normal in an alien and isolating world. With raw honesty, they share the things they’ve learnt and what they wish they’d known – from how to tame raging mother guilt to restoring their natural optimism in the aftershock of tragedy.

In this profoundly moving book, Kerry and Pat take readers on a very personal exploration of the universal experiences of grief and loss, love and friendship that connect us all. Like a wise companion offering comfort, Take My Hand is a lifeline both to those overwhelmed by heartbreak and for friends and family who don’t know how to help. Most of all, it’s a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult life gets, you are not alone.

Read what people are saying about Take My Hand

‘I loved this memoir so much because it resonated with me… It was totally authentic and well-informed… heart-breaking, honest, inspiring and affecting.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

'For every parent who talked to me because they couldn’t upset their other half and for every youngster who confided their thoughts to me rather than upset their parents, this book is amazing!!!’ Carole Valente, Support Worker in a children's cancer unit

‘This book has my whole heart. Kerry and Pat have been so courageous sharing their lives and their sons with us.’ Josie Silver

‘It is difficult to put into words how generous and brave this book is… a book for anyone who has a friend or family member going through something like this.’ Susan Lynes

‘I know I will be thinking about this book in months, even years to come.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘This book celebrates love – not only mother love, but the love of family and friends, the power of true friendship, and the power of simple kindness… it may just save a life.' Susan Elliot Wright

‘This amazingly powerful book at times brought me to tears… Knowing that I am not the only parent to be facing the difficulties of caring for a child with mental health issues has made such a difference to my personal journey.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘Two women on a journey from suffering to hope and inspiring the reader to join them on the road. Inspired and inspiring.