Alkrington man’s short story bid to raise £1,000 for coronavirus charities
Date published: 19 May 2020
John Brooke
An Alkrington man is aiming to raise £1,000 for charity with the sale of his humorous short story debut.
John Brooke has penned “the short story he always wanted to”, ‘Oliver Sudden’s Defining Moment’ which was published as a Kindle e-book on the 75th anniversary of VE Day (8 May 2020).
All profits from the book will be donated to the NHS, the British Red Cross and Mind, which are helping to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
After watching Colonel Tom Moore and others raise money for great causes, Mr Brooke, who has been retired for three years after an IT career, felt inspired.
He said: “It's impossible to watch the news without being totally moved by the selfless people working and volunteering to help others and all the people suffering from the virus, isolation or losing their jobs and businesses.
“I felt the least that I could do is to donate the profit from the book to charity. There are so many charities helping groups of people that I wanted to help people suffering from mental health issues, as this is close to my heart.”
Mr Brooke added: “I've always thought I should write a book especially as my wife is writing another book, which really impressed me. I kept putting it off, being busy with family, DIY and gardening, but when lockdown came, I had no excuse, having the time to write.
“I've always had a sense of humour, helpful at times of adversity, and decided that I should write a comedy. It was so time-consuming trying to pack it with humorous situations and characters, and so I felt a short story would be best.
“I've also read that laughter is the best medicine and that it can help strengthen the imune system and generally make people feel more positive. It would be great if that is the case.
“I really enjoyed writing the book and I do have to admit laughing at my own writing.”
The story, 'Oliver Sudden's Defining Moment' by John Brooke is available on Kindle e-book for £1.77 at:
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