A six-year-old Millwall fan from Bexley has written his own book which he is selling to raise money for the hospice that cared for his NHS hero granddad.
Lucas Daly has written nine books, but Bone Man, inspired by Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series, is the first to be published and is now being sold to raise money for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.
Lucas’ NHS CIO grandfather, Ricky Mackennon, spent his final days in this hospice before passing away a year ago, aged 58, just after being awarded for his work during the pandemic.
Rhea Daly, Lucas’ mum, said: “We’re extremely proud of Lucas – how does a six-year-old write a book in the first place?
“His classmates are sending us pictures of them drawing his character, and his teacher said he’s really inspired the class and she’s seen an improvement in all their work since.
“He is over the moon – he’s ecstatic.”
The book, about superhero Bone Man, is being sold for £2, which is how much they cost to make, but Rhea, 35, is asking people to donate to the hospice with each book they buy.
Lucas has now raised £690 and is hoping to continue selling more Rhea added: “It means a lot to do this for the hospice because my dad spent his last days there when we couldn’t look after him because of covid.
“He was diagnosed with cancer and passed away five weeks later.
“He worked for the NHS right up until his diagnosis.
“Lucas was really close to my dad – he was so dedicated to his family and his work.”
The hospice has invited Lucas to come and hand the money over in person so they can thank him.
Lucy Griffith-Searles, community fundraising manager at Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Lucas is supporting the hospice in such a creative and unique way.
“It’s a wonderful book and we have put copies in our family room, for everyone to enjoy.
“We can’t thank Lucas and his family enough, and also want to thank everyone who has bought a copy.
“This has already helped to raise such an incredible amount.
“The hospice cares for around 3000 people a year across Greenwich and Bexley and 6 out of 10 patients are cared for thanks to the fundraising efforts of our supporters – people like Lucas.
“It makes a huge difference to the care we can provide in the local communities of Greenwich and Bexley.”
Rhea is hoping she can sell even more of the books to raise money for the hospice.
She is also hoping to raise money in the future for Cancer Research, in memory of her dad and to support her brother who is living with leukaemia.
Contact Millwall Community Trust if you would like to purchase Lucas' book and donate.
This story originally appeared in NewsShopper by Charley Bergman
