On December 28th, 2016, Len’s daughter, Claire, collapsed at a friend’s house. She had suffered a cardiac arrest, subsequently confirmed as having been brought on by a condition called myocarditis.
Claire had suffered a hypoxic brain injury and would be in a vegetative state for the next (and last) eight months of her life. She passed away on October 3rd, 2017.
Only Time Will Tell: A Father’s Journey is Claire’s story, as told by Len. It is also a recollection of the time Claire spent in hospital and how her family and friends rallied around her – and each other – as they came to terms with the tragic circumstances that had befallen them.
With all proceeds* from the publication being split equally between British Heart Foundation and the Prop Appeal, the book has been written in Claire’s memory, to raise awareness of heart-related conditions and to offer support to families in similar scenarios.
The book officially launches today – 20th June 2019 – which would have been Claire’s 27th birthday.
“I wanted to write this book to celebrate the beautiful life of my caring, loving daughter,” said author, Len. “I hope that it will be of some benefit and comfort to families experiencing similar circumstances to those we faced, whilst raising further awareness of heart-related conditions.”
Adam Fletcher, Head of BHF Cymru said: “I am extremely grateful to Len and his family for choosing to support BHF. We're funding research right now which we hope will improve the diagnosis and treatment of myocarditis. This vital research is funded by the generous donations and fundraising efforts of people like Len, and we can’t thank him enough for helping us to beat heartbreak from heart and circulatory diseases.”
Lucie Barrett, Senior Fundraising Officer for Cardiff & Vale Health Charity said: “I’d like to thank Len and his family for sharing Claire’s story to raise awareness of this condition and also for raising money for The Prop Appeal in her memory. Len, his family, friends are fantastic support to The Prop Appeal, despite the extremely tough time they’ve all been through. We’d like to thank them for all that they are doing to raise funds to help us make a difference to patient care.”
Cardiff City FC Executive Director & CEO, Ken Choo, added: “We’re thrilled to be able to support Len and his family in launching this moving account. I’d personally like to congratulate Len on the launch and commend his efforts to raise invaluable funds for two fantastic charities.”
Only Time Will Tell: A Father’s Journey, is available to pre-order now for £7.95 (plus postage and packaging) CLICK HERE. The book will also be available from selected British Heart Foundation stores around Wales later in the summer.
COMING SOON… Len will be joined by the British Heart Foundation, Prop Appeal and some famous faces at Cardiff City Stadium Superstore on Tuesday 2nd July between 3-4pm where copies of the book will be available. Further information will be issued closer to the date via cardiffcityfc.co.uk.
For all press queries including invitation to the above signing and interview opportunities, please email OnlyTime2019@outlook.com
Follow @OnlyTimeBook on Twitter and Facebook now!
*Excludes postage and packaging costs. Book also available for collection from the Cardiff City Superstore from July 1st 2019.
