An author who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and cancer is giving a talk in aid of a Manx cancer charity.

Alison Forge, a motivational speaker who published the book Pocket Positivity, is visiting the island to ’empower others’ to see that change is possible regardless of challenges.

The ’Forge Ahead’ event will take place tomorrow (Friday) at new wellbeing centre Free Spirit in St George’s Street, Douglas, with all proceeds going to Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association.

’It was my ambition to give something back to the Isle of Man community in a way that would support wellbeing and mental health,’ she said.

She was invited by Daisy Duke, wife of late TT racer Geoff Duke, who has recently set up Free Spirit.

The venue - which has rooms that could be used for pilates or yoga, a kitchen and reception - is to provide a space for a ’mental time-out’.

Alison said: ’We met at Brightlife as I have been running workshops there for about 10 years and she mentioned she had opened these premises.’

Alison, of Cardiff, will tell her story about being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 19 and cancer at 26.

She said: ’Since then I’ve had multiple diagnoses, as I was mentally and physically abused. As time went on, my health continued to deteriorate and I had to do something about it.’

She eventually learned how to be a ’life healing teacher’.

She said: ’More people came to me and asked will you come and give a talk? It then became: "will you write a book?".’

The event will raise further donations through a raffle, with prizes including £199 worth of semi permanent make up from Cosmetic Medical, a half-day spa at Brightlife, restaurant vouchers, a gift pack from B4&After hairdressers and a make up set from Boots, plus more.

Refreshments will be available at the event, which starts at 7pm. Tickets are limited and cost £10 each. Call Daisy on 483023 to buy tickets.