The Kates Hill Press are launching Ian Henery`s 5th collection of poetry - Poems of Hope - at Wolverhampton Literature Festival on Saturday 13th February between 12 - 1pm in the Art Gallery.  The book, born in the COVID-19 pandemic, seeks  to give hope of better times ahead.  

  And Kates Hill Press, based in Dudley, are using the launch to raise donations for the charity the Teenage Cancer Trust charity for the aid of teenagers with cancer.     "One of the poems" explained Ian Henery "is called Thumbs Up" and is a tribute to Stephen Sutton MBE who was an inspiration to us all.  Stephen raised so much for the Teenage Cancer Trust and as part of our tribute to Stephen we would like to raise some more.  No parent should hear the words their child has cancer".  

Stephen Sutton MBE was a charity activist who was known for his blog "Stephen`s Story" and his fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust.   The campaign was called "#thumbsupforstephen" with a request for people to share selfies of themselves promoting the campaign.   By the second anniversary of his death in May 2016 £5.5 million had been raised in his memory.  He was only 19 years old when he died and a memorial service to him at Lichfield Cathedral was attended by over 10,000 mourners.  The Cathedral`s Dean was quoted by the BBC that the degree of public grief was akin to that of the death of Princess Diana.    

"The poem "Thumbs Up" was used in poetry workshops for scouts and cubs" said Ian Henery when we were fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust.  We were honoured that Stephen Sutton`s mother came along, took part and talked to the young people about her son`s legacy.  The poems were then performed on stage by the young people with the Teenage Cancer Trust."  

The Teenage Cancer Trust are dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young cancer patients aged 13 - 24.  They fund and build specialist units in NHS hospitals and provide dedicated staff, bringing people together so they can be treated by teenage cancer experts in the best place for them.   Kates Hill press have set up a JustGiving page for the Teenage Cancer Trust. 

  "Once people donate" explained Ian Henery "JustGiving sends the donations directly to the charity.  It`s the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity".     For further information - JustGiving.com - The Kates Hill Press page www.kateshillpress.com