Scars that Shine: Cynthia Ashmore, A Mum in a Million
By Paul Ashmore
In a world filled with remarkable women, many of whom are mothers, I am beyond proud to say that mine is the absolute best. She is not just my mum; she is my hero, my inspiration, and the strongest person I have ever known.
Raising children is no easy feat, but raising twins? That’s a whole new level of dedication. My mother not only survived raising my twin sister and me, but she did so with a grace and strength that continues to astound me. She was our guiding light, our unwavering source of love, and the woman who showed us what it means to be selfless, courageous, and kind.
But my mum’s strength isn’t just in her love—it’s in her survival. Life has thrown more challenges her way than most could endure, yet she has emerged victorious every single time. She survived not just one but two brain aneurysms—a condition that has a million-to-one survival chance. The odds were stacked against her, yet here she stands, the sheer power of an unbreakable spirit.
And live, she has. Even in her eighties, she continues to defy expectations and redefine what it means to embrace life fully. At 81, when many would prefer the comfort of an armchair, my mum set her sights on an adventure. It was her dream to climb Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest mountain in Wales, and so she did. With determination in her heart and a twinkle of excitement in her eyes, she conquered that mountain alongside me, proving that age is no barrier to chasing dreams. That moment—standing together at the summit, looking out over the breathtaking landscape—was one of the most profound and humbling experiences of my life. It was a reminder that with courage and perseverance, anything is possible.
My mother is not just an extraordinary woman; she is a force of nature. She has given me love, wisdom, and a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever. She has shown me what it means to never give up, to always find joy in the little things, and to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
To my mum, my rock, my inspiration—you truly are a mum in a million. And I am endlessly grateful to call you mine.