A STROUD woman who crossed the finish line of the toughest footrace on earth is set to share how she has used anxiety to accomplish her goals.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, who was the eighth UK woman to complete the Marathon Des Sables, a 156 mile ultramarathon across the Sahara desert, is hosting an event aimed at men and women who live with anxiety.

Taking place at the Cotswold Chiropractic and Massage in Brimscombe on Thursday, January 16 at 7pm, Sabrina will discuss how she harnessed her symptoms of anxiety for positive effect in her training and completion of the Marathon Des Sables, and in life in general.

Sabrina, who is also a mother of four, grandmother of one, and a businesswoman, has lived with anxiety for much of her adult life.

“My aim is to help 1 million people use their anxiety to accomplish. And it starts in Stroud,” she said.

“Many people are taught to see their anxiety as something to be endured, to fight against, to get rid of.

"Well, that didn’t work for me.

"Over the period of many years, I used my symptoms in different ways.

"In ways that meant that living with, and understanding how to positively harness my symptoms of anxiety actually helped me to achieve in life, business and, ultimately, while competing in the Marathon Des Sables.”

“If you are someone whose anxiety has stopped them achieving your life, personal or professional goals, I know how that feels, I have been there.

"I also know what I did to change the outcome. To use anxiety to achieve, rather than to retreat back into the shadows.

“I cannot wait to share these insights and strategies with more local people.”

Tickets cost £15. To book call 01453 886910.