A COURAGEOUS Bolton woman returns to her 'home town' on Saturday to sign copies of her new nationally acclaimed book.

'It Could Have Been You' by Merlyn Nuttall is published today and she has chosen Sweetens on Deansgate, Bolton, as her first stop outside of the London launch.

Merlyn, 32, a former Thornleigh School pupil from Belmont, left Bolton when she went to Brighton University.

She was working in London as a fashion buyer when, one morning in February 1992, she was stopped in the street and forced at knife-point into an empty house. Once inside she was subjected to a horrific rape and attempted murder. Her injuries were so bad that the police woman assigned to liaise with her fainted in the hospital ward after their first meeting! Her book has been serialised in two national newspapers and, even before the publication date, extra copies were run off due to massive demand.

It was launched in London last night, when Merlyn's family and friends were joined by members of the emergency services who treated her after the attack and hospital staff.

She explained why she had chosen Bolton as first port of call: "Bolton is still somewhere I think of as home. The people there are very special to me.

"When I waived my right for anonymity the response I received was wonderful.

"The book has got a very positive reaction - so much so, it had to be reprinted due to demand even before it had gone on sale.

"I felt so driven to write the book and am very pleased with the end product. "It was written in easy language, accessible to all ages and in paper back so that it will be affordable to people.

"I want it to be a users' guide. It is not just for women, but for everyone. I have so much insight and I want to share it. The book can be an educational tool also for so many people including those who never even report crimes against them.

"Far too often people come through these things as a shadow of their former selves. Then there are others like me who survive and come through stronger than ever.

"I thank God I reacted the way I did and I survived. I want to make people more aware of situations. There are little safeguards people should put in place. "There are also so many inadequacies in the system and unless people like me speak out about the shortfall, the public will never know. Often victims of crime need basic practical help, whether it be money for a holiday, or help in claiming from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

"I had to push all the time for information, when it should be automatically given.

"I have been lucky enough to come through this struggle and I now think I can make a difference.

"I have retrained as an aerobics and personal safety instructor as a short term measure, but do not know what I will do next."

Merlyn will be at Sweetens from 2pm.

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