Local author and writing mentor, Lis McDermott launches her latest book in aid of Jessie May

Author and writing mentor Lis McDermott launched her latest book of poems, Blossoms Fall, at a charity event in Highworth yesterday.

Friends joined her at the book launch where she read some of her poetry. The event raised money for Lis’s chosen charity Jessie May, which provides ‘hospice at home’ care for terminally ill children. The charity is currently supporting 35 families across Swindon and Wiltshire. 

“We had a lovely evening,” Lis said. “I’d like to thank everyone who came, everyone bought a ticket to attend and also bought raffle tickets on the night. In the end we raised £325 for Jessie May.

“I’d like to thank Wrag Barn for their support by donating their venue to host my book launch and Bower & Bailey Solicitors who sponsored the welcome drinks and to every business who gave raffle prizes.”

Simon Smith, Managing Partner of Bower Bailey Solicitors said, “Jessie May do sterling work to assist children and their families in Swindon and Wiltshire. We are pleased to be able to sponsor this event in support of Jessie May.”

Jessie May, Children’s Hospice at Home provides hospice at home care for terminally ill children in Bristol, Swindon, and Wiltshire. The dedicated nurses provide care to children and families during a child’s life and after their death. A four hour family respite session with a Jessie May nurse costs £300 and the nurses will support bereaved families for up to five years after their child has passed away. 

This is Lis’ second poetry collection, ‘Blossom Falls’, continues to explore similar themes to her first collection ‘A Tilted View’. Lis writes about life; the unfathomable issues of racial prejudice in society; her thoughts on Brexit, and some funny takes on her view of things around her. To find out more visit https://www.lismcdermottauthor.co.uk