‘A moving tale which turns tragedy into triumph, and a lesson to all of us who, from time to time, start feeling sorry for ourselves.’
(The Rt Hon. the Lord Blunkett)

This profoundly moving memoir tells the story of a brave resilient girl with a range of disabilities – including losing her sight at the age of nine – who goes on to lead a life of outstanding achievement and fulfilment.

We follow Lucy Holland (the name Elisabeth Standen gives herself in the memoir) through times of fear and sorrow to moments of pride, celebration and joy. She endures a lot, both as a result of her disabilities and because of the attitudes of some people around her, but she also encounters kindness and understanding in her determination to forge her own path and to achieve all that she is capable of.

An inspiring story and an enduring testament to one woman’s courage and tenacity.

With an introduction by Elisabeth’s sister, Gwynneth Shakespeare.

Elisabeth Standen (1944–2020)

In 1944, shortly after her birth, Elisabeth Standen's parents were told that their first child had been born with a rare bone disorder which in turn would mean that she wouldn't survive. How wrong they were. Not only did she survive, but her achievements went far beyond all expectations.

Elisabeth rose to great heights, not least achieving a First Class Honours degree in Philosophy. Along with all her other academic skills she went on to enhance the lives of many, ensuring equality for all disabilities in the workplace (this she achieved in her position as Equalities Officer at Bristol City Council).

Not satisfied with workplace equality, she went on to teach professionals in many fields from universities to hospitals. Her aim was always centred around her personal experiences at the hands of professionals who had little or no knowledge of the individual needs of disabled people.

Elisabeth's hard work was recognised when, in 1992, she was awarded an MBE for her services to disabled people. She went on to chair the Bristol Disability Forum, and the Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Teachers and Students. Her achievements had no bounds, and she thrived on them all. After her retirement she discovered the joy of writing, from short stories to poetry, followed by this memoir (The Red Coat).

‘A moving tale which turns tragedy into triumph, and a lesson to all of us who, from time to time, start feeling sorry for ourselves.’
The Rt Hon. the Lord Blunkett

'This book is poignant, moving, and carefully written. Blindness, and how we live with it, in it, and against the perception of others, is a story that needs to be told. Elisabeth has handled this vibrantly, and with passion and poise. I hope the angels (in heaven) congratulate her. She has written a clever, brilliant book.'
Selina Mills, author of Life Unseen: A Story of Blindness