S2 Ep 4: From Fighting Gangs in The Met Police to Inspirational Speaker - one of the most amazing women you're likely to meet: Heidi Loughlin
**** NO MUSIC EPISODE **** … Episodes addressing the Next Chapters we don’t ask for, the ones where the music suddenly stops. Heidi Loughlin had what can only be described as an ‘eventful’ start in life. But any challenges or obstacles put in her way would not stop Heidi. In fact, she went on to use these experiences to fight gangs, help young criminals, and police riots and football matches for the Metropolitan Police. Heidi was just about to start a Next Chapter of her own choice when life gave Heidi and her family a Next Chapter she could never have imagined. Pregnant with her third child, Heidi was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She then had to make a choice nobody should ever have to make. Her life or her child’s? Her baby daughter Ally was born at twenty-eight weeks and one day. Five days later Ally died and Heidi faced having months to live. But if you think this episode is going to be all bleak and depressing, well think again. Years later, Heidi's still here. You can't stop her booking holidays and she knows exactly how she wants to live her life. There are of course, some tough moments in this conversation. But there is also lots of laughter too. That’s the thing about these No Music Episodes, there are people like Heidi who will fill you with more hope, inspiration and joy than you could ever imagine - who will tell you, one day when you least expect it, the music will play again. Be warned though, there is swearing. But what do you expect from someone who took on all those gangs? I will never forget the day I met Heidi Loughlin. She is one of those rare people who touches your life, who will never leave your mind. If something’s stopping you start your Next Chapter, then Heidi’s bravery as she navigates the rollercoaster of life may help you find your way through your own ups and downs. To follow Heidi and her incredible work you can find her on Twitter and Linked In @storminatitcup. Her podcast is called Laughing in the Face of Death.