Unique book penned by CLAN clients goes on sale
A unique book consisting of poems and stories written by CLAN clients in Moray has gone on sale.
Joined Up Writing has been compiled using works from CLAN Cancer Support’s Words of Wellbeing creative writing group, which meets in various six week blocks in Elgin throughout the year.
Launched at a special event last night (Thursday, March 19) within Elgin Library, the book features a number of stories which have been penned by individuals affected by cancer.
Words of Wellbeing was introduced to CLAN’s service offering in Elgin last year and aims to help individuals deal with emotions and thoughts that they have gathered during their experiences with the illness.
After finding that many benefit from writing their feelings on cancer down on paper, the group in Elgin decided to collate a collection of pieces in a book with a view to making it available to the general public.
This idea has now become a reality with the touching collection available for purchase at CLAN’s support and wellbeing centre in Elgin and at the charity’s Thursday session at Moray Medical Practice in Lossiemouth. Copies will also be available from the libraries in Aberlour, Buckie, Elgin, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth.
All funds raised from the sale of the book will go towards the charity’s continued provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Tracy Sellar, CLAN’s Moray area services co-ordinator, said: “The Words for Wellbeing creative writing group in Elgin has really increased in popularity since it was introduced last year and we’re delighted to be able to launch Joined Up Writing to the wider public.
“The book itself is a lovely collection of poems and writings which individuals affected by cancer have written and in doing so it has helped them to deal with the emotions and thoughts that they have gathered during their journey. Some happy and some sad.
“The clients who have contributed to the book have shown great bravery to share their feelings and I’m sure it will be comforting for others who have been affected by the illness to read that perhaps people are experiencing the same feelings and thoughts as they are.
“The book costs £3 with all proceeds from the sales going directly to CLAN. Every purchase is widely appreciated by the members of the group and everyone associated with the charity and we’d like to thank you for your continued support of CLAN in the region.”
Tony Cardwell, a client of CLAN and whose work features in the book, said: “Since my school days my writing has consisted of letters, form filling and the occasional reference. Now my involvement with the group has given me the confidence to put pen to paper and express my feelings about cancer and the way it affects my life. If I can do it anyone can.”
