Oldham-born entertainer releases book on life obstacles

Judith Cook, who now lives in Cumbria, suffered a uniquely difficult menopause that included heart palpitations and significant weight loss.

Mrs Cook released her book ‘My Doors of Destiny’ this month which tells of her life struggles both professionally and personally.

She said: “This book means so much to me, not only to raise awareness, but to also allow others to know there is support out there, and you can live again. 

“It's full of real life dramas, ups, downs, gains and losses, hurt and pain; but overall the joy of surviving.”

Judith posing with Cumbria's Police Crime and Commissioner Peter McCall at her book launch (Image: PCC Cumbria).

Having aspired to be an entertainer from a young age, Mrs Cook was a Bluecoat performer at Pontins and worked on cruises, but her life took a difficult turn when her menopause hit at 48-years-old.

She suffered difficult side effects, most notably heart palpitations that were brought on by a faulty electrical pathway to her heart. As her condition worsened, Mrs Cook suffered depression and anxiety which were exacerbated by the pandemic.

She said: “As I was on my journey to recovery, the pandemic hit; this was another setback.”

Judith performing in her Bluecoat uniform during lockdown.

However, she has managed to turn things around through sharing her experiences and through organisations such as Familiar Faces and Gateway 4 Women.

Mrs Cook said that she has called the book ‘My Doors of Destiny’ to reflect the obstacles and challenges she had to overcome throughout her life.

When asked on BBC Radio Cumbria what her message to other people suffering would be last month , Judith said: “You are not alone.

“You’ve got to find the help, it’s really difficult to find because nobody understands you.”

She has now begun singing again and is releasing videos on her YouTube channel, also called ‘My Doors of Destiny’.

For more information on Judith’s story and how to order her book, visit www.mydoorsofdestiny.com.