A TEACHER-turned-children’s author is refusing to let cerebral palsy get in the way of his dreams.
Nigel Greenhalgh – affectionately known as Mr G by past pupils - has just published his debut children’s book, Fred Field Mouse – Adventures From The Hedge.
Cerebral palsy forced the Stretford teacher into retirement two years ago and he returned to his old workplace, Victoria Park Junior School, last week to launch his new book.
“It was brilliant but a bit nerve-wrecking,” said Nigel, who works under the penname Paul Kitts.
“I go in every Monday to do reading with the children but this was my own thing and I felt like a teacher again.
“Although my body is failing it was good to show that I have gone away to do something and found another way of being creative.”
Adventures From The Hedge tells the story of a mouse who, although having struggled with a stammer for most of his early years, is beginning to look beyond the boundaries of his home.
It is one of many stories written by the 48-year-old, designed to deal with a variety of issues that affect families, parents, and children.
When Nigel’s children Amy, 20, and Sam, 15, were younger, he would make up bedtime stories about mice with issues – or ‘missues’. He used it as an opportunity to address such topics as loss, depression, divorce, disability and friendship, drawing on his own experiences and struggles.
Nigel stumbled across one of the stories after giving up his beloved job at Victoria Park, where he worked for ten years, and decided to switch his focus to publishing his stories.
He said: “For my children at school, I am trying to show them that despite my cerebral palsy, life isn't limited, it just has new horizons.
“Every child has their own struggles and they can feel lost – sometimes a little story can help them out.”
Nigel will be doing a book signing at Urmston Bookshop, in Flixton Road, on Saturday October 8 at 1.30pm.
The bookshop owner Sandra Foy will then join Nigel at Victoria Park Junior School’s Literature and Arts Festival the following day, Sunday October 9.
The free ‘myths and magic’ themed event will take place at the Davyhulme Road East school from 11pm-3pm and will feature a magician, storytelling, art workshops and drama.
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