THE remarkable story of a woman who lived a life of luxury but gave it all up to become a nun is told in her new autobiography.

Sister Agatha, who lives at York’s Bar Convent, shares her life story in ‘A Nun’s Story’, ghost written by Richard Newman.

It is more than six decades since Shirley Leach swapped her debutante’s dresses for a nun’s habit and changed her name to Sister Agatha.

Shirley Leach had the perfect life, she had enviable wealth, a grand estate, a devoted fiancé and everything she had ever dreamt of.

In the middle of writing a letter to her partner about their life together, she claims to have received a calling from God and gave up her old life to become Sister Agatha.

Explaining her moment of clarity, she said: “I was excited, gloriously happy, and secure in my future chosen life.

“I had always wanted to be married and have children.

“Now I was going to do just that.

“My right hand came to a stop as I considered what else I needed to say, then I began to write again: “…but I am to become a nun.”

A Nun’s Story is a multi-faceted tale of sacrifice, heartbreak, bravery and sheer determination.

From saving her close-to-bankrupt convent with help from billionaire philanthropist John Paul Getty, to meeting a murderer on a train, the Sister’s life has been nothing but extraordinary.

She moved to the Bar Convent in the 1970’s and became the mother superior of England’s oldest living convent.

In 1985, she helped oversee the convent when it changed from being a school run by nuns to All Saints’ RC School, with the front of the building becoming a guest house, museum and cafe.

Sister Agatha is now a recognised public speaker and has begun to share her inspiring story across the world.

A book launch event for A Nun’s Story will take place on Wednesday, January 25, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at the Bar Convent, in Blossom Street.