Gnosall mum's book about autistic son raises more than £1,000 for charity
So far the book has raised £1,200 for Oakfield House Autistic Community which has been spent on a new TV and Blu-Ray player for the lounge
Pictured above L-R are Deena Glazzard-Mahon (Oakfield House senior key worker), Michael Johnson, Sally of Oakfield House and Alison Johnson
A mother from Gnosall that wrote a book about her experiences caring for her severely autistic son has now donated the money raised to charity.
Alison Johnson released ‘For The Love Of Michael’ in September 2022 to raise both vital funds and awareness of the condition.
So far the book has raised £1,200 for Oakfield House Autistic Community in Edgbaston, Birmingham, where Michael now lives.
Speaking about the donation, Alison said: “I began to sell copies locally at the beginning of September and by early New Year, I was amazed that we had raised over £1,000.
“We presented Oakfield House with a cheque and decided to use it for something all the residents and staff could really enjoy. And so we purchased a large 55in LED TV and Blu-Ray DVD player to replace the worn-out ones in their resident's lounge.
“I was so excited to take them there and couldn't wait to see their faces. They were overjoyed and told me they would put them in their newly renovated and decorated upstairs lounge and that they would really set it off.”
The idea for the book came about after Alison’s husband Tony came across diary-like notes that she had written.
They were an intimate account of the anguish, pain and desperate frustration the couple had suffered for almost 20 years before Michael was recognised as autistic.
After being touched by her emotional words, Tony encouraged Alison to turn her notes into a book, but she was too shy to do so at the time.
It wasn’t until almost 50 years after Michael was born that Alison changed her mind and decided to share her story.
The couple funded the publication themselves so that they could donate all money raised to the charity.
Alison added: “I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to do something for them all by means of a book I never planned to write and never imagined anyone would want to read.
“I feel so overjoyed and humble at the same time.
“I can't thank all the people who have generously bought and read my book for making this possible. Oakfield House staff and lovely residents deserve it!”
The book is available by emailing Alison Johnson at tonycjohnson@blueyonder.co.uk and donations of £10 per copy (plus £3 p&p if required) have been recommended by the couple.
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