AN ILLUSTRATED book created by a Warwick-based charity to help children battling a terminal illness, has been recognised by The British Medical Association.
Back At School and the Wibbly Wobbly Tummy – part of a book series produced by Molly Olly’s Wishes – aims to help children explore feelings they may have following a cancer diagnosis as well as to understand their treatment.
It follows the success of the previous books in the series based on charity mascot Olly the Brave.
A BMA spokesperson said of the third book: “It is perfectly prepared for children as they embark on a new chapter of their life after a period of illness and/or hospital treatment.
“The book is written in a way that will appeal to children of many ages and the lovely lion that comes with it will be a supportive, friendly, and reassuring companion for all those who take him with them on their journey. An excellent piece of work with real potential to improve outcomes and experience for some of our most vulnerable children.”
The other books in the series include Ben’s Big Stuff, aimed at siblings, Nights of Cuddles, which tackles the difficult subject of end of life, and Finding Life After Olly which supports children, families and friends to talk about loss.
Charity founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “These books offer emotional support to children and their families. They look and feel like any children’s story book and explain Olly’s journey very sensitively but openly. The feedback from families and health professionals is incredibly positive and they are very grateful to have them as a resource.”
“Molly Olly’s have always been aware of the need for good quality patient information and a variety of resources to help different groups of children. We regularly receive feedback from families and health professionals commenting on the positive impact that the Olly The Brave lion and books have for children undergoing treatment and siblings. The endorsement the charity gets from being shortlisted by the BMA helps us to reach a wider audience and is great recognition for the work of the charity and the author and Illustrator, Diane Maybey.”
The books are included in special packs, also containing a toy lion with its own Hickman line and detachable mane, distributed to hospitals and health professionals across the UK.
Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes.
Visit www.mollyolly.co.uk for more information.
