A South East Cornwall writer’s inspiring tale of conquering adversity has become an internet best-seller.

Beth Greenaway, 45, from Saltash, was born with serious congenital heart defects and has bounced back from three open heart surgeries, a 2016 stroke which left her blind in one eye and then, in 2017, a life-threatening heart infection which left her critically ill and hospitalised for several months.

But Beth said she was keen to make the most of ‘what could have been a difficult situation’.

So she began writing a book with the aim of helping others facing their own medical challenges to not just survive but thrive. 

And the resulting book, ‘Upbeat: Growing resilience and positivity in the face of medical adversity’, became an instant best-seller in its category on Amazon when it was published last month.

Beth said: ‘I hope my story inspires others living with long-term health conditions to see beyond their limitations and lead an inspired and fulfilling life.’

She has been determined that her own health situation would never hold her back from living life to the full.

She enjoys competing as an endurance athlete, running a business, working as a personal trainer and pursuing her health and fitness goals – not in spite of her heart health, but because of it.

‘Mastering your mindset is a big key to maintaining positivity when facing chronic health conditions,’ she said.

So has included her own tips and tricks at the end of each book chapter. 

One of her missions in life has always been to help others facing health adversity.

She runs her own fitness and rehab studio in Plymouth, Merlin Fitness, where she works predominantly with cardiac, pulmonary and cancer clients, helping them to rebuild their fitness, health and confidence.

Beth said: ‘The key message is that gentle, regular exercise is perhaps the best medicine to improve mental and physical health.’

It is something which she encourages almost everyone to do, regardless of medical issues, providing they set themselves small, achievable goals.

Beth said she has been ‘completely overwhelmed’ by the sales of her book, and the support she has received from her family, friends and clients.

A portion of the income from sales from the book is going to The Somerville Foundation, a national charity supporting young people and adults born with a heart condition.