Husband's death from MND inspires widow to publish book

Anita Newton, a resident of Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, has recently published a children's book titled 'The Under Tree Folk' as a way to cope with the profound loss of her husband, Craig, who succumbed to motor neurone disease (MND). This disease is known for causing the gradual deterioration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe physical challenges. Craig first began to show symptoms in the summer of 2019, experiencing muscle cramps that quickly escalated. By Christmas of that year, his condition had worsened to the point where he could no longer tie his shoelaces. Despite the impact on his speech, Anita was able to understand him until his passing on April 3, 2022. In the wake of her husband's death, Anita found herself in need of comfort. She shared, '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. ' This creative outlet became a source of therapy for her. One day, while out with Craig, they encountered a magnificent tree with sprawling roots, which sparked Anita's imagination. She began to envision tiny people living beneath the roots of this tree, leading to the creation of her book. Anita hopes that the proceeds from 'The Under Tree Folk' will contribute to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), helping others who are affected by this challenging condition. Through her storytelling, she aims to raise awareness about MND and provide support to those in need. Anita's journey of writing this book is not only a tribute to her late husband but also a way to connect with children and share the magic of imagination.