'That plain little girl from over the road' a neighbour called her. But for Catherine, being plain was not the only problem... Born in the thirties in a Welsh mining valley, at a time of poverty, hardship and war, Catherine also suffered the humiliation of failing the 11 Plus. Later, on discovering a disturbing family secret, her self-esteem plummeted further. By the time she left school she felt her life had no purpose and contemplated suicide. But interspersed with feelings of hopelessness were wild, impossible dreams - dreams that one day she'd climb out of poverty and change her life. She'd prove that she was no loser but someone who could get somewhere. She'd educate herself. She'd move to London 'the capital of the world'. And there maybe she'd add some sparkle to her life and realise her dreams. All she needed was a chance.