Rossendale student pens first book in aid of his school pal (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Rossendale student pens first book in aid of his school pal
12:14pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News
By Chris Gee, Reporter
BOOK LAUNCH Harry Mayers signs his new book for one of his classmates
A TALENTED teen comic book and fantasy writer has been inspired by a school-mate who is suffering from cancer as he publishes his first novel.
Harry Mayers, 15, a pupil at Alder Grange Community and Technology School, has written a graphic novel entitled Blank about a scientist who is searching for the secret to becoming God.
Harry, who lives in Rawtenstall, was backed by his school when it hosted an event on Thursday where he signed and sold around 100 copies of his book in the school hall.
The event was also used to support Harry’s friend and fellow pupil Sonny Ashworth, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for leukaemia at Manchester Children’s Hospital.
The year 11 pupil intends to give 20 per cent of his profits to cancer research charities in support of Sonny.
Set in a fantasy world, the book talks about the race against time to discover the secret before the other people who also want to become God, who Harry calls the mad scientists.
Harry said: “The idea for the story came to me a couple of years ago where I had drawn up some comic strips based around this idea of a scientist wanting to learn the secret to becoming God. I then took this and developed it into a storyline, and it’s snowballed from there.
“It combines my love of comic strips, especially Japanese style ones, as I’ve also created and drawn the characters.
“I wanted to delay the launch of the book until Sonny is able to be here, as I want him to be a part of it.”
Alder Grange English teacher Karen Taylor said: “I taught Harry when he was in Years 7, 8 and 9. He was clearly a talented storyteller and artist.
“It has been a pleasure watching his talents develop and I am delighted that all his dedication and hard work will soon be reaping rewards.”
Copies of the novel, costing £5, are available from ktaylor@aldergrange.lancs.sch.uk
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