A County Galway youngster has published her first book which was inspired by her sick cousin.
Twelve-years-old Caoimhe May O'Rourke of Corofin was only nine when she first penned A Trip To The Hospital when her cousin Aoife was suffering from cancer. Rewritten now, it has been published by Emu Ink and will be officially launched in the Galway Education Centre tomorrow at 6pm.
Profits from the sales will go to Barretstown, which looked after Aoife who has now recovered, and also to Caoimhe May's college fund.
Caoimhe May wrote the book because she "wanted people to know that the hospital isn't really a bad place and that they should stop worrying, and also that breaking a bone really isn't the end of the world".
“ I am hoping this book will help out children who are in hospital and don’t know what to expect, as well as the charity that was so good to my cousin when she was ill. I also hope it helps to get me into college so I can write more books and help more people!”
A student at St Colman’s NS, Cummer, Caoimhe May was just three years old when she compiled her first picture book depicting the story of a mermaid and her dolphin.
The daughter of Mike and Anna, and sister to twin brothers, Caoimhe May O’Rourke is an avid reader, who loves to write stories and poems in her spare time.
Emu Ink founder Emer Cleary described the book, A Trip To The Hospital, as special.
"It is very special book written by a very special girl. Like all good writing it comes from the heart and the intentions for which it came about are as impressive as they are heartfelt. It’s a beautiful book and a lovely story, which showcases both the writing and illustrating talents of a kind-hearted young girl.”
A Trip To The Hospital is now available, for pre-sale in the fiction section of the library, at www.emuink.ie
