A Scots woman who received a shock cancer diagnosis has used her experience to launch online classes designed to help others tackle their fears and anxieties.
Jennifer Sturrock, from Edinburgh, was left devastated and feared the unknown after medics diagnosed her with thyroid cancer in 2019.
The 32-year-old had surgery to remove the growth and is now in remission but decided to lean on her difficult experience to help others fighting their own battles.
The artist said at the time of her diagnosis, she was desperate to find meaning in the painful experience and practised methods to help her find peace and acceptance.
She is set to launch her online course called School of Unknowing on January 18 and hopes it will offer a safe space for people struggling with mental or physical health during the pandemic.
She said: "My diagnosis was so unexpected, it's not something anyone wants to be told.
"I found peace by being creative and accepted what was happening to me by allowing myself to rest.
"A lot of my learning was from allowing the process to play out.
"I’m so grateful to all medical professionals and thankful or my speedy recovery."
"I hope the techniques I have learned will allow others to untangle their own anxieties and fears - whatever they might be.
"Hopefully the course will help to motivate people who are struggling during lockdown."
The artist recently installed one of her creations outside Liberton Northfield Church in Edinburgh.
The creation called Deeply Woven symbolises connection and hopes to help people feel 'more connected to each other in times of isolation and loneliness'.
More information on Jennifer's online course can be found at www.schoolofunknowing.com.
