Heather was born in India with a neurological condition, Cerebral Palsy, which affects her ability to move comfortably or speedily. Her first book, Marathon Wheeler: Living with Physical Disability is a memoir which marks her Australian educational experiences in mainstream and special schools. Reflections on hospitalisations and long rehabilitation also feature. University education in the arts, librarianship and theology opened many doors for her career as a librarian and later as a chaplain in disability and aged care. All these experiences are viewed through the lens of a persevering "wheelie" user. Her interests include reading biographies and murder mysteries. Heather believes in the great therapeutic value of books, knowing that a great book read at the right time can breathe life and purpose into a flagging reader. A period drama tragic, she is still grieving the loss of "Downton Abbey" to television. Swimming, Heather finds, is a pleasurable form of exercise and meditation. Writing and church involvement add zest to her life. Her book Marathon Wheeler also offers practical guidance to people with physical disability, their family, friends and health professionals. Heather's book gives voice to one of her passions- disability advocacy/information sharing, an interest that also finds expression in her Facebook blog on disability issues on Author Heather Coombes.