When Liane Todd lost her career as a musician following a life‑changing accident, she thought she had lost the thing that had shaped her identity from childhood.
Now, through the United Reformed Church’s Stepwise programme, she has discovered a new way of expressing faith — through poetry, worship leading, and a deeper understanding of where God is calling her.
Liane, a member of Trinity Church in Bedlington, had been an active musician since the age of nine, playing clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano, and working as a peripatetic woodwind teacher for more than 25 years.
Her life changed dramatically in 2017 after a serious accident at a local theatre, when a large piece of stage scenery fell into the orchestra pit where she was waiting to perform.
“I was ready to play,” Lianne said. “And then, just like that, everything changed.”
The accident left her with limited movement down the left-hand side of her body and unable to use her left hand while being left-hand dominant. The musician was also left with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), forcing her to retire on health grounds.
Music, once central to her life, was suddenly no longer possible.
“It all went downhill pretty fast,” she reflected. “Music was my life and I found it very hard to consider that it was no longer there.”
Despite feeling lost, Liane remained connected to her church. Over time, she was encouraged to undertake positive activities by her mother. Liane’s occupational therapist also asked her if she would consider trying a one-handed clarinet, but the accident still felt too raw at that time.
After a conversation with the Revd Dave Herbert, the then moderator of Northern Synod, she was encouraged to explore taking part in Stepwise. What began as a search for direction became something unexpected.
“The course began with Faith-filled Life and then I progressed onto Faith-filled worship and that,” says Liane, with a broad smile spreading across her face, “was a revelation.
“I wanted to deepen my faith and understand where God was calling me,” she said. “However when I started, my lifelong interest in creative writing came to mind and I felt I felt drawn to include poetry as part of the course work.”
Week by week, Liane began writing poems inspired by scripture, faith, and reflection. What started as a small contribution quickly became an integral part of her experience.
“I asked if I could read one of the poems as a prayer at the end of a session, and fellow course members were really surprised and encouraged me to carry on.”
She has since gone on to write regularly, even publishing a poetry collection about her beloved Northumberland, Echoes of Time, and continues to explore creative ways to express faith.
Liane has also begun leading worship, something she never imagined she would do.
“I honestly never thought I would lead a service,” she said. “But now I’ve taken full services, using what I’ve learned and building on it.”
For Liane, Stepwise has not just been about learning, but transformation.
“It’s not just about gaining knowledge,” she said. “It encourages reflection, discussion, and asking where God is at work in us and in the church.”
The journey following the accident has not been without its struggles. She describes periods of deep anger, asking “why me?” and “give me a break”.
Over time, however, her faith has shifted from frustration to acceptance and new purpose.
“I thought God wanted me to be the musician, the organist, the choir leader,” she said. “But now I wonder if this — writing, leading worship, taking time — is where God was calling me all along.”
That change has brought with it a renewed sense of direction.
“I can give more of myself now,” she said. “I’m not rushing in and out of church. I’m taking time to know God, and to understand where I’m going.”
Liane is clear that Stepwise requires commitment, but believes the rewards are worth it.
“If you’re prepared to do the work, you will get out of it what you’re meant to,” she said.
Today, while challenges remain, she says there is more “colour” back in her life; a powerful contrast to the “solid black” she once described in the aftermath of her accident.
“Things could have been much worse,” she says simply. “I’m very lucky to be here.”
Stepwise is for everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes — including you! To get started or learn more, see the dedicated Stepwise webpage or contact your local Synod Stepwise Contact (details can be found on the Stepwise page under ‘Let us know you are interested).