A mother-of-three who underwent emergency brain surgery has published a book to help children deal with life’s challenges.
In 2020, Holly Huetson was diagnosed with fluid on the brain, forcing her to undergo surgery to save her life.
Following this, she was informed by specialists that she was at a high risk of developing early onset dementia.
The 39-year-old of Horstead, near Norwich, also lives with multiple sclerosis, commonly known as MS, a condition she was diagnosed with in 2008.
Despite going through a huge upheaval, she was inspired to turn her challenges into a legacy for her children and to help others.
Now she has published her first children’s book and is determined to make it a household name.
She said: “I felt motivated to write to help children deal with difficult challenges life can often put in front of us.
“I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving my little ones to grow up without me and wanted to create lasting messages through storybooks guiding them learn how to cope through hard times.
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“My children and husband are my world and I’ve always felt a deep need to want to help others, but with my health problems and being a busy mum it’s hard to know how I can make a difference.
“Now I feel I have found a way to with my books.”
Mrs Huetson, who is mother to Poppy, 10, Ruby, seven, and Toby, three, has used a local publisher to bring her first book, Cranky Crocodile and the Cuddly Carrots, to life.
Unusually illustrated using photographs, the story follows Cranky, who navigates life not feeling good enough. Eventually, he learns that true friends love you as you are.
“My story teaches children that being different is something to be celebrated,” Mrs Huetson added.
“I have had a great response from all who have seen the book, including from schools and libraries.
“I have also written six more stories, which all help tackle issues that children growing up struggle with.
“I told my children that I can publish them once we make Cranky famous, and if the world loves Cranky then I can bring to life all the other characters from Church Farm Tales.”
- All profits made from sales of the book will go to the charity, Children in Need. The book can be found in Jarrold Norwich, Holt Garden Centre, and Wroxham Barns, or online via www.churchfarmtales.co.uk
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