Local author Yvonne Weatherhead writes charity story for Ukraine

Local children’s author Yvonne Weatherhead has written a new charity poem supporting Ukraine.

Yvonne usually writes an annual poem to celebrate Christmas, centred around her ‘Flying Grandma’ character, with profits going to Bolton Hospice. All profits from this new poem will raise money for the hospice, and Ukrainian families.

Flying Grandma – who wears special attire with her silver wings, silver high-heeled shoes and silver handbag – is a character modelled on Yvonne, created with her granddaughter Sophie.

Every Christmas Eve, Flying Grandma seeks out children who cannot sleep or animals in distress, and spreads magic dust, to bring comfort and cheer.

She takes her two therapy border collie dogs, Bella and Tess, with her, who snuggle next to children and permeate love and affection.

This latest story – Hurry, Flying Grandma, shadow that train’ – takes Flying Grandma with her silver carriage, flying to shadow a train in Ukraine. She waits until it stops to see families tumbling out in their ‘safer’ place.

Flying Grandma and the dogs bring love and cheer to children of Ukraine, playing many fun games with them. She also leaves bluebells with the children, a symbol of humility and everlasting love, to communicate with Flying Grandma, after she flew home.

She tells them they can whisper in the bell flower, and this message would ‘ride on the waves of the wind’ and search for Flying Grandma.

Before she leaves Ukraine, she finds abandoned animals and brings comfort to them, including creating a ‘mystical rainbow bridge’ to shelter under. Soldiers wave to her as she flies by, and she sends them ‘silver winged kisses’.

The story hopes to bring some escape from reality to all children but especially an expression of heartfelt love to families of Ukraine.

Yvonne has already raised £300 for Bolton Hospice and is working with Ukraine Centre in Bolton and schools, to ensure money is raised for Ukraine families.

The chairman of the association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Bolton Branch, Yaroslaw Tymchyshyn said: “‘Hurry, Flying Grandma, shadow that train’ cements the relationship between the peoples of the UK and Ukraine.

“Ukrainians are grateful for the love and affection shown to them and this poem brings our nations closer together.

“Flying Grandma is the ideal metaphor for the work and sacrifice the people of the UK have given to house those escaping war.”

The headteacher, Kim Farrall, of St Luke's CofE Primary School, Heywood – which has collaborated with Yvonne on previous stories, said: “‘Hurry, Flying Grandma, shadow that train, a story for Ukraine, is a beautiful poem.

“At St Luke’s, we have a family from Ukraine, that joined our school in September. This poem is really special to us as the war is very close to our hearts. The family were extremely touched to receive a copy of the poem and a special card from Yvonne. It brought them great comfort and hope.

“The whole school enjoyed listening to the poem in assembly, along with the stunning illustrations.”

Copies of the poem can be purchased directly from Yvonne's website: www.weatherhead-projects.co.uk