Brian McDonald will donate proceeds from the sales of Ever Hoping to the Alzheimer’s Society
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A LOCAL author will donate the profit from the sales of his book of short stories to charity in memory of his late wife.
Following Aileen’s passing last year, Brian McDonald has published 'Ever Hoping' and plans to donate any proceeds from its sale to the Alzheimer’s Society.
He explained: “My wife was afflicted by Alzheimer’s and, because she didn’t want any fuss at the funeral, I decided to publish Ever Hoping in her memory and to raise funds.
"Dementia afflicts sufferers with constant feelings of confusion and anxiety as it intensifies. Because I witnessed Aileen’s demise, and Alzheimer’s is now the major cause of death in the UK, I thought it an appropriate charity to support.”
Brian is well known locally for organising volunteer work around Sanquhar pond.
He is also a founding member of the local writing group forWORDS.
He said: “I’ve always been involved in creative writing, although a large part of my life was spent producing correspondence notes while a college lecturer some 50 odd years ago.
“I’ve also been a member of various writing groups over the years, culminating in the establishment of the Forres writers group.
“My main interest is to entertain so I hope this comes across in my short stories and novels.”
Fellow forWORDS member and published author Jane Yeadon ‘lost a weekend, thanks to Brian’s excellent book’.
She said: “Ever Hoping is a great read, even if the characters living on in fond recall are time eaters.
“There’s eight varied stories - the diversity adds to the book’s unique feel. For example, in one story, Manny is a splendid villain in ‘Trapped,’ whilst George makes for a tender tale in ‘Myopia.’
“Brian’s rural background colours his writing and his rare insight brings a little of lost Buchan past.”
Dementia now accounts for more UK deaths than any other form of illness. It is likely that every family will know someone who is suffering or suffered from it.
Much is being done to counteract the condition with over £85 million having been invested by the Alzheimer’s Society over the years.
However, more funding is needed to improve diagnosis, develop new treatments, improve care and support for people living with dementia.
Ever Hoping will be on sale at the book launch in Forres Tolbooth on Wednesday April 3 from 7-9pm. It can be purchased in local retail outlets including Waterstones of Elgin and Inverness, as well as Brodie Countryfare.
It can also be bought online at https://www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/brian-mcdonald-ever-hoping?_pos=1&_sid=564f09211&_ss=r
