A man who lost his disabled sister in childhood has used his inheritance to create a picture book which champions people with disabilities – earning praise from Coronation Street celebrities and friends alike
Rob Martin, from Liverpool, said he is “still affected” by the death of his teenage sister Pauline when he was just six. After the passing of his late mother Kath, he decided to use his inheritance to publish his book ‘Joe and Dusty Save The World’.
The book, which is written entirely in rhyme, tells the tale of a young disabled boy called Joe, and his trusty sidekick and support dog, Dusty.
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The storyline follows an extra-terrestrial escapade and explores themes of kindness, fun and love.
(Image: Rob Martin)
Rob, 56, said: “Joe and Dusty is a book about a young boy who just happens to be disabled. I deliberately don’t name Joe’s disability because it is not a book about what he finds difficult or can’t do. The story’s happy ending relies entirely upon Joe’s strengths.
“Whilst it’s a book about space and aliens, the underlying message is about celebrating people for their differences.
“It is also about the power of human connection, which is a very important message for everyone after the isolation we have all experienced over the last couple of years.”
(Image: Rob Martin)
It took one particular moment for Rob to realise what he wanted to do – hearing a poem, written by his sister, at his mother’s funeral.
But the drama wasn’t finished there for Rob, as he was diagnosed with autism just weeks after the publication of the book.
He said: “Suddenly everything started to make sense. Even I could spot that I shared many traits in common with Joe, and when I asked my sister and my husband if they had ever suspected I was autistic, they both said that they had.”
(Image: Getty Images)
The book has been very-well received since publication, and features forewords by actor and activist Julie Hesmondhalgh and Sarah Gordy MBE, a TV and stage actor who has Down’s Syndrome.
Julie, best known for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street said: “What a beautiful idea this is to put a child with learning differences and his dog companion at the centre of the action.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
