A Wirral man who lost his disabled sister in childhood has used his inheritance to create a picture book which champions people with disabilities.
Rob Martin, from Bebington, said he is “still affected” by the death of his teenage sister Pauline when he was just six, and he’s now used money inherited from his late mum Kath to publish his book ‘Joe and Dusty Save The World’.
The book, which is written entirely in rhyme, tells the tale of a young disabled boy called Joe, and his trusty sidekick and support dog, Dusty. The narrative follows an extra-terrestrial escapade and explores themes of kindness, fun and love.
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Rob, 56, said: "Joe and Dusty is a book about a young boy who just happens to be disabled. I deliberately don't name Joe's disability because it is not a book about what he finds difficult or can't do. The story's happy ending relies entirely upon Joe's strengths.
“Whilst it's a book about space and aliens, the underlying message is about celebrating people for their differences.
"It is also about the power of human connection, which is a very important message for everyone after the isolation we have all experienced over the last couple of years."
Rob began writing an outline of the plot several years ago, but it was hearing a poem written by his sister at their mother's funeral in December 2019 that inspired him to format the storyline in catchy verse.
The freelance copywriter and marketing consultant, who now lives with his husband in Greater Manchester, was left reeling when he himself was given a late diagnosis of autism, just weeks after his book was published.
He said: "Suddenly everything started to make sense. Even I could spot that I shared many traits in common with Joe, and when I asked my sister and my husband if they had ever suspected I was autistic, they both said that they had."
Rob said that publishing his book felt like the best way to honour the memory of his mum and sister and to get a handle on his new understanding of himself as an autistic man.
He said: "Joe and Dusty shines a light on the positive contributions disabled and neurodivergent people make to their families and to wider society,
"I could have spent my inheritance on an extension or a fancy holiday, but publishing a book can have a much bigger impact.”
The book has already attracted the attention of some high profile fans, and features forewords by actor and activist Julie Hesmondhalgh and Sarah Gordy MBE, a TV and stage actor who has Down's Syndrome.
Julie, best known for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, who recently set up fundraising group 500 Acts of Kindness , said: "What a beautiful idea this is to put a child with learning differences and his dog companion at the centre of the action."
Sarah said: "Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. We need different people to make the world better in lots of different ways."
Rob and his real-life dog, also called Dusty, have been asked to visit schools and events around the north west to talk about the book and why being different is a strength.
Rob already has a number of other ideas for further adventures for Joe and Dusty and hopes the book will be the first in a successful series.
You can buy a copy of Joe & Dusty here.
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