A turning point for Mary came when she realised her driving anxiety was limiting what she could do with her children.
As they’ve got older they increasingly go to different places, and public transport is not always a practical way to get there.
“There have been times when I’ve said ‘you can’t make that play date’, and I’ll feel really bad.
“By motorway, we could go in 22 minutes, but when we get public transport, it’s going to take two hours.”
Her 14-year-old daughter asked her why she couldn’t just “lock in” and drive, even offering help with directions, forcing Mary to explain that she just couldn’t do it.
Now, ahead of turning 50 next year, she plans to take motorway lessons, partly to set an example to her daughter.
“I need to crack this fear, I would love to be able to drive on a motorway without feeling I am about to die.”