Book of poems to be published in memory of gifted writer

David McClay and Georgina Jacques from J.E.M's Place with Councillor Sue Smith and Mayor Mohammed Zaman

A book of poems is to be published in memory of their gifted writer, Julia Elizabeth McClay, by the Middleton charitable foundation J.E.M’s Place.

J.E.M’s Place was set up last year after Julia sadly died at the age of 42, after battling leukaemia, leaving behind her childhood sweetheart and husband, David, and their six children.

When she was in her early 30s, Julia, an exceptionally gifted writer who penned thousands of poems over the years, was diagnosed with autism.

David is now aiming to publish Julia’s poems as volumes, with proceeds going towards supporting J.E.M’s Place’s aim of helping children with autism, so they are able to enjoy life as Julia did and have days filled with happy memories.

Following a meeting with Councillor Sue Smith, David and their friend Georgina Jacques, who helped set up J.E.M’s Place, the Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman pledged support to the cause in publishing the first book.

Councillor Smith said: “Julia was a great poem writer and wrote thousands of poems. She was always happy and positive and a fantastic person to be around. I met her at The Peace of Mind Café but knew of her as she was a well-known member of our community.

“J.E.M’s place is my chosen charity as a councillor in Middleton West Ward. Julia, we will never forget you. Thank you to The Mayor of Rochdale for supporting us.”

Georgina added: “We set J.E.M’s Place up shortly after Julia passed away, to offer families with children with autism free days out so that families who may not be able to enjoy a day of fun for various reasons could have one.

“Julia was such an active member of Langley Writers with Robin Parker; she did many events and attended lots of our sessions. She was a loved member of our community and it means so much to get these poems published.

“I am dumbstruck by the support for my friend and his family and to know Julia will live on forever in her poetry. It’s given me back my belief in human kindness and a huge thank you to Sue for making this all possible.”

The book launch has been scheduled for 25 January – Burns Night – next year, as a tribute to Julia’s Scottish heritage.