Emma Williamson lived through a childhood witnessing domestic violence, chaos, and addiction. When the challenges came, they weren’t small ones — and it’s true to say, when it’s bad anywhere else, it’s extra bad in West Cumbria. The experience is amplified. When it’s dark here, it’s dark. When it’s light, it’s light.

For every ounce of darkness Emma endured, she’s channelled it back tenfold into light. From her own addiction struggles to that solitary moment where she chose radical change, she has turned pain into power. From not being able to put a full stop in a sentence, to earning a master’s degree, she’s taken bitter beginnings and transformed them into a force for good.

Now, she pours that resilience into making a difference for young people in the care system — living proof that no matter how dark it gets, light can return, and when it does, it shines brighter than ever.

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Rachel Holliday – Firestarter, Problem-Solver, Community Builder

By 20, Rachel Holliday had crammed in more than most people manage in a lifetime – the rough, the raw, and the downright chaotic. Sofa-surfing. Addicted. Homeless. The kind of life that could have gone one way and stayed there.

But Rachel doesn’t do standing still. Motherhood lit the fuse. Family backed her all the way. She’s blasted out of that old life and now she’s pulling others with her – running Calderwood House in Egremont, turning rock bottoms into fresh starts.

She’s unstoppable, unmissable, impossible to ignore – a ball of charisma and drive, whirling through your Spotify feed with a story that’ll have you hooked from the first word.

https://www.ttcwestcumbria.org/donate/

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Originally from the North East, Christine Smeaton made West Cumbria her home at 21. But it wasn’t until her late 60s — facing homelessness and uncertainty — that her most extraordinary chapter began.

When Christine walked through the doors of Calderwood House in Egremont, she wasn’t just seeking shelter. She was choosing a new life.

Now in her late 70s, she’s a self-taught musician, playing multiple instruments, helping refugees, and serving as a trustee for a local charity. Her faith runs deep. Her presence is calm. And her story is a masterclass in courage, reinvention, and hope.

🎙️ This is a story of starting over, standing tall, and shining brightly — no matter what age you are.

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Episode 13 brings us Dianne Richardson – raised in Mirehouse, West Cumbria, a place lacking polish and sophistication but deep in community spirit. Her career path is eclectic - swearing never to work in nuclear Dianne has ventured through many careers - but nothing is wasted - everything repurposed.

West Cumbria once rang with industry – from Marchon’s chemical works to Kangol’s iconic headwear, and the coal mines that powered a nation. But as those employers disappeared, they took thousands of jobs with them. Today, one major employer remains: Sellafield. It supports livelihoods, but it also dominates the landscape.

That’s where Dianne steps in. As CEO of BECBC, she brings together the businesses that orbit the nuclear sector – helping them connect, collaborate, and build a more balanced future.

Dianne’s never been driven by status. Her fuel has been denied value – hers and others’ – and a deep belief in giving back and seeing your neighbour right.

This episode follows her husband, Gerard Richardson, in Episode 12 – a love story in two parts, with the elemental majesty of the West Cumbria as its backdrop .

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we shift focus from celebrating the beauty and splendour of West Cumbria to exploring a more serious story—that of Ruth Hasson.

At 17, Ruth entered a controlling and abusive relationship. Her partner’s obsessive behaviour gradually isolated her from friends and family, leaving her vulnerable and alone. The abuse escalated over the years, culminating in a terrifying six-hour assault that brought her to the brink of death. On her 21st birthday—a day coinciding with the passing of Freddie Mercury—Ruth experienced a powerful turning point, inspiring her to seek freedom and reclaim her life.

Now a passionate advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, Ruth shares her story not only to highlight the dangers of coercive control but to offer hope to others facing similar challenges. Her journey from victim to survivor is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the support that communities like West Cumbria can provide.

This episode serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst the charm and beauty of a place, there are untold stories of resilience and courage that deserve to be heard. Join us as Ruth candidly shares her experiences and insights on healing, advocacy, and transformation.

By bringing Ruth’s story to light, we emphasise the importance of acknowledging and supporting the struggles within our community.

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Next on Assa Marra: Darren Joseph Blanks, a visually impaired Army veteran from Egremont, tells his incredible story of running over 850 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats. As the first registered blind person to complete this iconic challenge, Darren smashed out a marathon a day for 28 days, raising over £18,000 for the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club.

Joining Darren is none other than Cumbrian hero Gary McKee, who was moved to run alongside him during Darren’s final days in Scotland. Their friendship and determination are what proper Cumbrian grit is all about.

Don’t miss this emotional and inspiring episode—it’s a reet belter!

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