Tale of Mortimer Mouse to Raise Money for Macmillan Cancer Centre
Two sisters recovering from serious illnesses have written and illustrated a children’s book, with all profits going to support the appeal to build the new Macmillan Cancer Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.
Cynthia Evanson, 68, from Duckmanton, Chesterfield, was given a terminal cancer diagnosis in March 2013. Her only chance of survival was a six-month course of chemotherapy which thankfully proved to be successful.
Her sister Maggie Fielding, 51, from Hady, Chesterfield, is also making an excellent recovery from a serious blood disorder, diagnosed in August 2012.
Cynthia said: “The medical care we received was excellent, along with the very important love and care of our family and friends.”
She continues, “I was worried that I may never see the birth of any of my niece’s and nephew’s babies, but when my great-nephew, Oliver arrived, I felt inspired to put pen to paper, create some felt animals and a rhyming story to go with it…and the story of ‘Mortimer Mouse Messes Up’ was born.”
The book is aimed at children from birth to six years, and it tells the story of Mortimer and his friends’ adventure which leads to a serious telling-off from his Mother.
After reading the story, her sister Maggie, encouraged Cynthia to get the Tale of Mortimer Mouse published, and agreed to do the illustrations.
Margaret added, “We are two sisters who are so grateful for the amazing care we have received through the acute stages of our illnesses and during the most difficult time of our lives. To think that we have contributed in some small way would give us great pleasure and satisfaction.”
Cynthia is funding the book herself, and both the sisters will be promoting it by giving talks at mother and toddler groups, primary schools and various other community groups with all profits going to help build The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre.
Rob Turner, fundraising manager for Macmillan in Chesterfield said: “We really appreciate all the effort these truly inspirational ladies have put in to create this lovely book. We need to raise £2.5 million to help build the new cancer centre, and with the support of local people like Cynthia and Maggie – we can do it!”
The book is published by Bannister Publications and costs £6.99. To buy a copy, or to invite them in for a talk at your local group, call 07518 134 186.
Article written by Andrew Dempsey
