Staffordshire author achieves lifelong dream with publication
A secret hobby has become an ambition achieved for a Staffordshire man.
Tom Hollinshead from Perton has achieved a life-long ambition by having his first children's book "Jimmy Brown's Adventures in Time and Space" published.
The 84-year-old has been writing stories for a long time, writing in longhand in capitals, his son Mark said.
Mark explained: "It really was one of those secret hobbies that he had and he's written more than 200 short stories over the years.
"He would go away on holiday with his wife Iris on cruises and he'd sit there on his deck chair in the corner and write his stories.
"There's piles of stories at his study in Perton that are all ready to be published and he's finally done it with this one."
The book tells the tale of Jimmy Brown, who is given a magical gift on his birthday and makes a journey full of magical creatures and big adventures.
Mr Hollinshead said his father's childhood had been spent running around the woods with other children and having adventures, so had a very large influence on the story.
He also said that his father was able to draw on a lot of memories and said the writing helped him to stay sharp and had taught him new skills.
He said: "My sister Lisa and I are delighted that he still rings up to ask what a word means.
"He hadn't even touched the internet until 18 months ago and now he's an expert, as well as pestering his grandchildren on WhatsApp.
"He wants to keep his mind as active as possible and he still walks every day as well, with a motto of 'healthy body, healthy mind'".
"Jimmy Brown's Adventures in Time and Space" is available to buy on Amazon.
