Sheila Cassidy

Sheila Cassidy (born 18 August 1937) is a British medical doctor, author, and prominent Christian leader. She is best known for her work in palliative care and for her imprisonment and torture in Chile during the 1970s, which she detailed in her book Audacity to Believe.

Early life and education

Cassidy was born in Birmingham, England. She studied medicine at Bristol University, where she graduated in 1960. After completing her studies, she worked in various hospitals in England and Scotland.

Career

In 1963, Cassidy moved to Chile to work as a doctor. In 1975, she was arrested and tortured by the Chilean secret police for treating a wounded revolutionary. Her experiences in Chile led her to become a prominent advocate for human rights and against torture.

After returning to England, Cassidy worked in palliative care, focusing on the care of terminally ill patients. She has written several books on the subject, including Sharing the Darkness: The Spirituality of Caring and The Audacity to Believe.

Personal life

Cassidy is a devout Christian and has spoken about how her faith helped her during her time in Chile. She is also a member of the Roman Catholic Church.

Publications

• The Audacity to Believe (1977)
• Sharing the Darkness: The Spirituality of Caring (1988)
• Good Friday People (1991)
• Confessions of a Lapsed Catholic (2006)

Awards and recognition

In 2002, Cassidy was awarded the Albert Schweitzer Award for Humanitarianism. She has also received honorary degrees from several universities, including the University of Bristol and the University of Glasgow.

See also

• Palliative care
• Human rights in Chile
• Torture

External links

• Official website

Sheila Cassidy Resources
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