Ann Blake, who has Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), has published a Legacy of Love book. Compiling the work of artists and celebrities from around the world, this uplifting collection is about gratitude and reflection – and is a result of Ann’s post diagnosis journey.
Finding strength in gratitude and beauty around you – a book of joy

Trigger warning: this content mentions suicide
A shock diagnosis
When I was diagnosed with FSHD in 2018, it was a huge shock. I had a very active lifestyle and went to the gym four days a week. Everything happened in such a short space of time, and I felt like my world had fallen apart.
I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t sleep when I got diagnosed, so the doctors put me on several different medications. They gave me no warning that two of the drugs had a risk of suicidal thoughts. My mental health went downhill quickly, within a few months I’d attempted suicide several times. I only discovered why this was happening when I was sectioned. I chose to stop taking all my medications and focus on finding joy in my loved ones and creativity.
Shortly after, my good friend, Hilary Roberts, wrote a song for me, called Fight to the Other Side, about finding hope and strength. I decided to call Muscular Dystrophy UK about my journey and ended up being interviewed by Karen Attenborough at the charity’s conference that year.
Finding purpose
I used to be a special needs teacher alongside running a B&B with my husband. My mobility got considerably worse during the pandemic, so I decided not to return to my job after. Instead, I started running art workshops from my home and I did lots of embroidery.
At the end of 2018, we received a phone call from a local addiction centre asking if we would open our B&B to some of their patients going through treatment. I decided the best way to not think about what was going on for me would be to focus on someone else. We live in beautiful countryside so it’s a very calm and safe space here. Most people who come to us are in a very dark place and don’t want to be here, but by the end they don’t want to leave. We’ve had over 55 people stay with us since we opened our B&B to the centre.
Producing a book and sharing gratitude
I first had the idea for the book after reading The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. I just thought I would love to produce something that had beautiful artwork and simple messaging. A friend’s husband is an artist and they offered to help. I started putting my idea out to friends across the world and so many of them wanted to contribute. Before I knew it, we were putting the book together!
Karen Attenborough also involved some of her connections, and I knew a few celebrities who were happy to get involved. Nic Fiddian Green is a friend of mine who created the horse’s head statue for King Charles’ 70th birthday. And it’s a great honour to have musician, Jools Holland OBE, include his creativity and wisdom.
I started all this a year ago and it’s been such an amazing experience. Connecting with and receiving such personal art from artists all over the world. It really has been a group effort.
I want this collection to bring joy and love. To act as a reminder that strength can be found in gratitude and beauty around you. I like to think it’s a book that can live on your coffee table, and when you pick it up and go through its pages, it inspires you to carry on. It’s just a lovely book full of hope and wisdom.
It was also important to use this book to spread awareness of the two charities that have helped me through my journey: Muscular Dystrophy UK and Dogs Aid UK. All profits from this book will be donated to the two charities to support them continue their amazing work.
You can buy Ann’s book here: Legacy of Love (alegacyoflove.co.uk)
Meet Ann and her assistance dog, Snoopy
