Husband's death from MND inspires widow to publish book

A woman has published a children's book to help her cope with the loss of her husband who died from motor neurone disease (MND).

Anita Newton, from Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, was inspired by her husband Craig, who often made up stories and recited them to her when she struggled to sleep.

Some of the proceeds from the book, entitled The Under Tree Folk, will be donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA).

"It has been enormous therapy for me because I can be totally engrossed in the story," Ms Newton said.

MND is a degenerative condition that affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

Mr Newton first began experiencing symptoms in summer 2019 when he started suffering with muscle cramps.

His health deteriorated "very quickly" and by Christmas he was unable to tie his shoelaces, Ms Newton said.

And despite his speech also being impacted, Ms Newton said she could understand him until the end.

Mr Newton passed away on 3 April 2022.

"The most awful time was right after he died and I needed someone to comfort me - he obviously wasn't there to do that - so I started making up my own stories in a bid to calm myself and relax," Ms Newton said.

She drew inspiration from a day out, where the couple had spotted an "enormous tree with huge sprawling roots".

When she could not sleep, Ms Newton began reflecting on the day, before imagining little people living under the roots.

Her imagination led to the publication of the children's book, which she hopes will help to raise money for MDNA.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.