'My heart shattered into a million pieces' - Codsall mum pens children's book about grief following loss of sister

Natalie Pritchard, a teacher, author and mum from Codsall, South Staffordshire, has written The Mermaids and the Rainbow Tide as a tribute to her sister, Jade Challenger, who died on January 26 last year after a brave battle with bowel cancer.

The book aims to give hope to young people who are experiencing grief or loss of a loved one, and has been released to mark the one-year anniversary of Jade’s death. 

All of the profits from the first print run are being donated to a bowel cancer charity, The Bowel Movement, which offers help and support to people with bowel cancer. Following this, Natalie will be splitting a percentage of the profits between Cancer research charities and charities which help children cope with grief.

Jade, who was a mum-of-two boys and a much-loved teacher at Brewood Middle School for over 20 years, died aged just 41 years old from an aggressive form of bowel cancer.

The book aims to open up discussions with young ones about grief in a gentle and reassuring way. The main characters are two mermaid best friends, who are based on Natalie and Jade and their extraordinary sister bond.

Natalie, 47, said: “Jade was beautiful inside and out. From the day I met her, I felt so incredibly lucky to have her by my side. When she died, my heart shattered into a million pieces but I am getting through it with the love of our family and friends.

“Jade was an inspirational school teacher and so this book aims to continue her legacy by offering a ray of hope for any young person going through grief or are missing a loved one.

“Her light will keep shining forever."

Dr Sophie Gwinnett, clinical psychologist and director of Brightside Psychology, said: “Perfect for young curious minds, this book will help to open up conversations about loss and the range of feelings that follow.”

Dr Suzanne Roberts, grief therapist and integrative psychotherapist, said: “The Mermaids and the Rainbow Tide is a beautiful and poignant story which gently explores themes of loss and grief.”

Natalie, who also works as a primary school teacher in Codsall, has written three other children’s books in a series called Sea School Stories, which aims to support children’s social and emotional learning through magical ocean adventures.

A signed copy of the Mermaid and the Rainbow Tide costs £10 and all profits will be donated to the bowel cancer charity.

To order a copy, email natalie@seaschoolstories.co.uk