A Doncaster author has given back to a hospital after starting a new chapter in life

A local author and his family recently visited Bassetlaw Hospital in Doncaster to present staff with 100 copies of his new children’s book, the proceeds of which will be going to the Trust’s charity.
By Kian Rains
Published 9th Dec 2019, 11:33 BST
Updated 24th Dec 2019, 08:51 BST
Mike and family with patients from the Children’s Assessment Unit at Bassetlaw.Mike and family with patients from the Children’s Assessment Unit at Bassetlaw.
Mike and family with patients from the Children’s Assessment Unit at Bassetlaw.

‘The Boy Who Lost His Burp’ tells the story of Charlie, a little boy with a great talent for burping, who suddenly finds himself in a bit of a jam when a very strange thing happens.

This book is written and illustrated by graphic designer Mike Condon, and is a way of saying ‘thank you’ for the care that he and his wife Kelly received, when their daughter, Willow, was born prematurely last year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mike’s daughter Willow was born at just 33 weeks, and she required assistance from the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit to help her breathe, as well as to undergo a blood transfusion and additional tests.

Mike said: “Our first experience of the Special Care Baby Unit was at a very difficult time for us, but the staff did such an amazing job when Willow was poorly.

“It was lovely to take Willow back to visit now she’s doing so well, and to have the opportunity to give something back with the help of some local businesses.”

Showing his and his families’ appreciation, Mike, who is a senior graphic designer at Nottingham College, decided to put his considerable talents to use and created ‘The Boy Who Lost His Burp’, pledging to donate all profits from the book to the Trust’s charity, to be used for the benefit of the SCBU

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mike, Kelly and Willow returned to the hospital to donate 100 books, all paid for by local businesses.

The Trust pledged to deliver copies of ‘The Boy Who Lost His Burp’ to younger patients staying at the hospital on the run-up to Christmas.

Rebecca Joyce, chief operating officer at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals, said: “On behalf of the entire Trust, we want to thank Mike, Kelly, and Willow for such a kind gesture.

“We are always appreciative of any donations to the Trust, but seeing the care, attention, and skill which has gone into this book is extremely impressive and will make an excellent gift for our youngsters.”

The book is available to buy https://the-boy-who-lost-his burp.square.site/, and people can find out more details on Facebook by searching for The Boy Who Lost His Burp.

Related topics:Bassetlaw HospitalDoncaster

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.