Book launch aims to help teenage cancer sufferers
A book release by a West Midlands poet aims to help raise a thumbs up to the fight against cancer.
“Poems of Hope” is the fifth collection of poetry by Ian Henery and will be launched by publishers Kates Hill Press as part of Wolverhampton Literature Festival.
The launch event on Saturday, February 13 will also be used to help raise funds and donations for the Teenage Cancer Trust charity, which aids teenagers suffering from the disease.
Mr Henery said he had friends who had experienced hearing that their child has cancer, including working with Stephen Sutton’s mother Jane, and spoke about one of the poems in the book.
He said: “One of the poems is called ‘Thumbs Up’ and is a tribute to Stephen Sutton MBE, who was an inspiration to us all.
“Stephen raised so much for the Teenage Cancer Trust and as part of our tribute to Stephen, we would like to raise some more.
“No parent should hear the words their child has cancer”
Impact
The passing of Stephen at the age of 19 had a profound effect on the public, with more than 10,000 people attending his memorial service at Lichfield Cathedral.
Mr Henery explained where “Thumbs Up” had come from and how it developed.
He said: “Stephen had a big impact on me and the poem ‘Thumbs Up’ was used in poetry workshops for scouts and cubs when we were fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“We were honoured that Stephen Sutton`s mother came along, took part and talked to the young people about her son`s legacy.
“The poems were then performed on stage by the young people with the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Kates Hill Press has set up a Just Giving page for people to donate to, which can be found at justgiving.com/fundraising/greg-stokes1
The book launch takes place on Saturday, February 13 at 3pm, with details at wolvesliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/kates-hills-presses-book-launch.html
