A mother of four has proved an inspiration to others by her determination to succeed, not only by climbing the career ladder after motherhood, but finding the time to publish her first novel.

Catherine Marsh, 45, from Broadwater Crescent in Stevenage brought up three children alone after going through a bitter divorce.

In order to keep a roof over her head she worked long hours, taking various jobs, including cleaning and a paper round.

After meeting her second husband and having her fourth child, she decided to return to college to further her education.

Catherine took a course in office skills and found work as a trainee secretary at a solicitor’s. After a year she decided to go back to studying, which she fitted in around a full time job, and in 2009 Catherine qualified as a property lawyer. She now runs her own caseload at Susan Hall & Company in Hitchin.

During this time Catherine began to write short stories. After numerous rejections she had her first novel Silent Secrets published in July. Catherine said: “The story is based on the relationship between a father and son and the lies they tell each other which have deadly consequences.

“I have been trying to become a published author for the past 25 years. It’s always been a passion of mine and what I really wanted to do.”

Friend Carol Woolston said: “She is an inspiration to all those mums out there who feel they cannot achieve their goals after having a family.

“Just look at what Catherine has accomplished.”

Catherine was in Hitchin last weekend and will be at Waterstone’s in Stevenage town centre today (Saturday) from 11am to 3pm to sign copies of her book.