When a six-year-old Kirkby Stephen boy started asking questions about his “special heart”, his mum decided to write the story down in a book for him.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Reggie Wardale, who is the son of Anouska and Christopher, received a heart transplant at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital 10 days before his second birthday.
Anouska said she struggled to find a story similar to Reggie’s experience which she could read to him.
“I then took it upon myself to write and publish a children’s book, in hope that this would help others going through this and raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, especially in children,” she said.
Called Reggie Gets a Special Gift, the book features pictures which are actual photos that have been made to look a bit more like cartoon drawings through computer wizardry.
“I wanted a simplified story of what happened,” explained Anouska. She said the story includes Reggie’s heart getting sad and him having to go and stay in hospital. Then one day he gets an extra special visitor, which Anouska has depicted as an angel, bringing him a new heart.
Reggie, who is in year one at Brough Primary School, had his four-year post-transplant anniversary in November and it was at that time Anouska decided to write the book.
“He was obsessed with it when it first came, he had me read it to him every night and he took it into school with him,” said Anouska.
Helped by her sister, Shona Hall, Anouska is now raising funds to help share Reggie’s story with others in a similar position.
“I know of a few families that are in the Freeman at the minute with children waiting for a transplant to become available,” she said.
It is hoped the money raised can pay for personalised boxes, including a copy of Reggie’s book, along with extra information and little gifts for the parents or their children.
“Just something nice for the people who are staying in hospital and waiting — a little bit of hope for them to help boost their time, really.
“We have had a really good response with the fundraising. We are getting a raffle going, which will hopefully make £500 if all the tickets can be sold,” said Anouska.
Lots of local businesses have donated products or are providing services, like appointments at salons.
In addition, a fundraising Heart Disco is set to take place on Saturday April 6 from 1pm to 4pm at Kirkby Stephen’s Masonic Hall, and a Facebook page called Reggie’s Cause has been created.
Reggie Gets a Special Gift is available online at Amazon.
