Rachel and Matt Honeyborne have created a children’s book to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool following the “amazing care” their daughter Olivia received.
Fudge’s Evening Adventure is based on the family’s miniature dachshund and has been written by children’s author Liz O’Rourke.
The story has also been turned into a sculpture trail created by wood carving artist and Liz’s husband, Simone O’Rourke, featuring characters from the book.
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Speaking to the ECHO, Rachel said: “Olivia was born with an Atrial Septal Defect which is commonly referred to as a ‘hole in the heart’. The hole was between the two upper chambers of her heart and, due to the size of the hole, she needed a procedure to close this.
“The procedure involved inserting a device between the two upper chambers of the heart via cardiac catheterisation. She was just three years old when she had the procedure and we were blown away by the amazing care she received before, during and after the procedure.
“Olivia had been admitted to Alder Hey a few months earlier for another minor and unrelated procedure, so it wasn’t her first operation. However, the previous experience had been such a positive one that she went in from the start having lots of confidence in the staff at Alder Hey, as did we!”
Rachel and Matt believe the staff couldn’t have done any more to help them. Rachel continued: “It’s such a magical place and the play specialists were fabulous which all made such a difference.
“We will be forever grateful to the wonderful staff who were involved in her care and wanted to give something back to help other families in the future. It was our initial aim to raise over £6,351 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, as this is the approximate cost of the procedure Olivia had - although even this doesn’t take into account all of the pre and post procedural care!
“We had very recently refurbished some Luxury Holiday Cottages, so started a raffle which was £2 a ticket to win a seven day holiday at our cottages. To our amazement, the raffle raised £7,356!”
It was after Liz and Simon O’Rourke stayed at the family’s holiday cottages that the idea for a book came about. Rachel explained: “Matt and I had always admired the incredible work of the wood carver Simon O’Rourke.
“We got chatting as we were initially keen to get a carving of our family pet dog, Fudge. However, once we realised Liz had a background in children’s story writing, the idea for the story book and sculpture trail was born.”
Fudge’s Evening Adventure tells the story of all of the animals that visit the family’s farm. Rachel said: “We have a camera in the Barn Owl box which is streamed through to the cottages so guests can tune in and view the live wildlife cameras. Olivia has always called the Barn Owl ‘Barney’, so we called him this in the story.
“Simon and Liz have been fabulous to work with and Olivia has had a big involvement in the book from naming the animals in the story, to packaging and posting the books through letterboxes over Christmas which saves on postage and maximises the money for the Charity.
“Olivia has also read the book out loud to her class at school who all absolutely love the story. We have had some wonderful feedback from the book, with so many people saying it has become their child’s favourite to read at bedtime. There are a couple of puzzles and activities at the back of the book, too, which have been a big hit.”
The sculpture trail is at the family’s orchard at Lower Farm Holiday Cottages in Picton, Chester, which guests have access to. Each scene tells the story of Fudge’s Evening Adventure.
The book is available to buy online here for £6, with all profits going to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
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