How did I choose my pen name?
Kate Ford Michaels is an expanded version of my name – Kate Ford. So, why not write under it? It’s a strong name, one I’ve identified with for more than 50 years. Head to any book shop and you’ll see several Kate Fords (or variations of) already there.

Why Kate Ford Michaels? Michael was my father’s name. An incredibly talented writer and journalist, he was Chief Reporter at Westminster Press in the 1970s, a prominent regional newspaper group and the leading publisher of weekly newspapers in the UK at the time.

Fleet Street: the heart of the press
He spent his days working in and around Fleet Street, London, the hub of reporting. Throughout the seventies he interviewed Prime Ministers, politicians, authors, actors, artists and many others. When he wasn’t writing, he could be found drinking Guinness in one of the many infamous pubs frequented by the press pack at the time. As well as writing hundreds of articles for newspapers he also wrote sketches for well-known comedians.

Black and white memories
Sadly, my dad died on 21^st February 1979, a couple of weeks after his 42^nd birthday. I was five years old. My memories of him are sketchy, attached to the few black and white photographs that remain, like the one of him above, cigarette in hand, walking with Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his wife Mary, an accomplished poet. The picture relays a sense of ease, both men were from Huddersfield in Yorkshire and were on first name terms. As my dad was a staunch Labour supporter and a member of the party, I imagine they had a lot in common.

Even though my memories are vague, I know life with my dad was not easy. He was an alcoholic and sadly for him, and for us, his drinking took his life far too early. Thankfully, I don’t have all his characteristics, but I am my father’s daughter. We share a passion for writing, for seeking out a story, for finding the truth. As well as a very dry sense of humour.

I think he would be proud of this book. He won’t ever read it, but by sharing his name I can keep his memory alive a bit longer. And, I get to craft new memories in glorious technicolour. Memories I can pass on to the next generation, my son, his grandson Oscar.

This drive to uncover truth and tell stories that matter led me from my lobular breast cancer diagnosis to uncovering centuries of healthcare inequality and ultimately, to writing The Healthcare Rebellion.

Follow the links to:
The Healthcare Rebellion (2027) – exploring the book’s key themes and timeline.
When your cancer has no roadmap – Kate Ford Michaels’ lobular breast cancer story and Lobular Moon Shot Project campaigning.