Hannah Powell suffered burn out and was diagnosed with a Functional Neurological Disorder in 2009. She has now published a book called The Cactus Surgeon: Using Nature to Fix A Faulty Brain.

It’s a nature and health memoir which explores the possible reasons for Hannah’s burnout and investigates her connection with Mother Nature. It’s a book of mindful moments, savouring the small wonders of flora and fauna. Cactus Surgeon was her dream career when she was six.

Hannah Powell, Communications & HR Director for Perrywood Garden Centres, says, "My Functional Disorder meant I would twitch and jerk in response to sound or touch. I looked like a peculiar air drummer with no rhythm. There was no information available to help me, so I found my own way to get better.

"Growing up in a garden centre, my childhood was full of nature and plants. This was in stark contrast to the concrete of London, where I became unwell. After seeking alternative therapies and moving back to the countryside, I began to feel myself again. My 'green recovery' followed. I believe we all benefit from having mindful moments, and this can easily be done by savouring the small wonders of nature around us."

“I wrote the book primarily to help others. I want to raise awareness of functional neurological disorders and I’ve found that every time I open up and tell my story it encourages somebody else to ask for help.”

Functional Neurological Disorders affect one in three people attending neurology outpatient clinics. Yet, it is not something that most people have heard of. They can affect anyone. The diagnosis covers a range of difficulties in how the body works, including paralysis, seizures, pain, anxiety and difficulty speaking. 

The book is available to buy via Hannah’s website www.thecactussurgeon.com, at Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury, through independent book shops including Red Lion Books in Colchester, via e-book providers and on Amazon.

Hannah can be contacted via thecactussurgeon@gmail.com for bulk orders.