Saturday 17 December 2016

Christmas Concert

I'm thrilled that this week my book sales surpassed a thousand copies. It means that if each one of those books have been read, then there will be a thousand more people out there who may be more aware about Organ Donation and Pulmonary Hypertension. I'm also pleased as a writer that people are still buying both hard copies and the Kindle version and the book seems to keep on going from strength to strength. A big plus is that it has helped raise funds for charities and support groups close to my heart too.  



Over the past few years Rob and I have been visiting the girls' old secondary school - The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage - to speak to the sixth form about organ donation and help them understand more about the issues surrounding it. This year the headteacher had read my book in the summer and invited us to speak again and also offered to support Papworth Hospital Charity by holding a non uniform day and a collection and chance to sell books at their annual Christmas Concert. We were delighted and excited about this. 


The events managed to raise a grand total of £3600, plus we managed to sell plenty of books raising another £275 to add to the total. Rob and Sarah attended the concert along with Charlotte from Papworth Hospital Charity and it was an amazing evening. People were so kind and generous and I would like to thank everyone involved in organising everything and supporting us. I was very disappointed that I couldn't attend, but my health problems of the last few months are still ongoing.


I would also like to thank those of you who sent donations to Papworth Hospital Charity in lieu of Christmas cards. I've been really touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.  Rob was able to pass these on to the charity at the concert event and the £80 donations received brought our total fundraising for Papworth Hospital Charity this Christmas to £3995. This support has really given me a huge boost after what has been a very difficult few months and has meant December has been a big high to end the year on. 


If you are looking for a Christmas present or that extra stocking filler then there's still plenty of time to purchase a copy of 'Life is for the Living' on Amazon or maybe you are settling down for the Christmas holidays and just fancy a good read to download. The Amazon link is below and remember all funds are for Transplant and PH charities and support groups. 



A few comments re the book: 

'Just finished your book, so touching. Your paragraphs on the 'letter' from your donor's family had me in tears...thank you for your wonderful words...' R 

'It's a compelling read - the inside personal story not just of the medical issues, but of how you, Rob and the family felt about what was happening to you all. And you tell it beautifully. Inspiring is an overused adjective nowadays, especially in health matters. But yours is a truly inspiring book.' LM 

A massive thank you to everyone who has supported 'Life is for the Living' this last year and helped both raise awareness and funds for important causes. 


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