A former train driver turned author has penned a sequel to his debut novel and hopes it raises vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Ipswich-based Tony Harris has published ‘Please Sir, Can You Help Me? Voices from the Grave’ which is a follow-up to his thriller ‘Suffolk’s Last Cold War Victim’.
The novel centres around the character of Ashley Moore, who, according to the synopsis, ‘finds himself helping desperate souls to go through their chosen door to the afterlife’. It is available via Amazon, and 100% of the royalties will go to EACH.
“It’s taken me a long time, but I’m pleased and proud of the finished product,” said Tony.
“Strangely, the writing is the part I find easiest and more straightforward than the publishing side of things.
“However, I learnt a lot the first-time round, and have had a great deal of help from my proofreader, Jeremy Ratcliffe.
“You don’t have to have read the first book for this one to make sense, even though it follows on.
“I’ve included a recap, so everything will make sense, and I’ve also left it open, so could potentially go back and write a third book, if this one is well-received.”
Tony, 68, took early retirement in 2021 and used to be a train driver for Greater Anglia.
He is passionate about supporting EACH as he used to live in Felixstowe Road, near The Treehouse.
Aside from his writing, he also raised funds by arranging 74 days of employment with individuals and businesses and donated every penny he earned to EACH.
The ‘Tasks for Tony’ challenge took place in 2023, and his list of jobs included serving customers in a café, packing bags in a supermarket, airport taxi runs, painting, gardening, handing out bus timetables and even catering for a Christening party.
Other jobs he took on throughout the year included repairing laminate flooring, repairing and painting garden sheds, repairing a front door and conservatory, power-washing paving and a pergola, fixing a washing machine, installing a blind, erecting flat-pack furniture and putting up shelves and cupboards.
His original goal had been to raise £5,000, but he ended up with £8,500, including Gift Aid.
“I’ve always been aware of the great job EACH does and have so much respect for it,” said Tony, who has two children and two grandchildren and lives in Rushmere St Andrew.
“The work it does caring for children and supporting families is truly remarkable, and I often have those thoughts when I go past The Treehouse.
“I can’t begin to imagine how parents must feel when they have children with life-threatening conditions and want to do whatever I can to help.
“I’m thankful I’ve had these opportunities to help and hope the money I’ve raised has made a difference.
“The more books I sell, the more I can donate to this wonderful charity.”
‘Please Sir, Can You Help Me? Voices from the Grave’ – which features a front cover designed by Tony’s son’s friend, Simon Chiddington – has been published by Amazon and is available in paperback, hardback and on Kindle.
The paperback version costs £9.99, the hardback £14.99 and the Kindle version £4.99.
To buy a copy online, head here. ‘Suffolk’s Last Cold War Victim’ is also available by clicking here.
