March 26, 2010 – Sydney AUST. - Inspirational Sydney author, Therese Cook, participated in the I Promise Pledge to drive safely an initiative of the Daily Telegraph, in memory of her deceased daughter, Nicole who was killed by a fatigued driver.

As a passionate advocate of Road Safety Therese wrote, ‘My Heart is Breaking But My Spirit is Strong’ which tells of her struggle and eventual victory over depression, horrific physical injuries, emotional confusion, low self-esteem and chronic grief after a head on collision 8km south of Wallabadah claimed the life of her 11 year old daughter Nicole on the New England Highway on December 5, 2003.

In this moving account, Ms Cook offers an insightful look at life’s challenges, relationships, self discovery, overcoming fear and eventual reinvention. “I’m passionate about educating people of all ages to be responsible road users and give hope to other crash survivors, that even in the worst of circumstances, they can make choices that allow them to move forward and create the life they want,” she said.

Now a professional speaker in the area of road safety and personal leadership, Ms Cook said her three-year recovery time from critical injuries left her with a totally different perspective on life. "I learnt you have to take ownership and responsibility for your own life and never loose sight of where you're heading."

Therese’s book was launched last year at a function in NSW Parliament House, hosted by Peter Draper, Member for Tamworth, Kristina Keneally, Premier of NSW, and Therese’s local member Paul McLeay, Member for Heathcote. The Hon Richard Torbay, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and member for Armidale was also in attendance.

Keneally, after reading Therese’s book, said “Therese Cook writes passionately and honestly about love, loss and living life. She starts with the story of the Cook family’s journey between Sydney and Tamworth, a trip with tragic consequences, and then takes us on a journey that is confronting and inspiring as she and her husband Keven rebuild their physical and emotional lives after the death of their daughter Nicole. Therese’s decision to live her life, to rebuild her life, to re-imagine her dreams, after the auto accident that claimed her daughter’s life provides hope and courage for all who read her story. Therese reminds us all that we can choose the direction of our life, even at the darkest and most difficult times. I am privileged to know Therese as a friend and as a colleague, and all of us are privileged that she has shared her heart, her spirit and her story in this book.”

My Heart is Breaking But My Spirit is Strong is available through Therese’s website www.myspiritisstrong.com.au selected book stores and libraries.