Lesbury author contributes story to charity anthology

The book, published this week, is called Written in the Stars and was launched by a devastated mother who took her toddler to hospital when she unexpectedly collapsed.

Sofia Lyons-O’Sullivan was just 15 months old and appeared to be in perfect health when she died on Easter Sunday 2020, due to a cerebral AVM (arteriovenous malformation) – a condition that her family was totally unaware of. Sofia had and most people never heard of it.

Sofia’s mother, Tara Lyons, 37, is an editorial and production manager at Bloodhound Books and wanted to do something to support other families who find themselves in a similar devastating space because of AVMs.

Marissa Whittaker.

She contacted authors, asking for their help in creating a Christmas-themed short story collection dedicated to Sofia’s memory. Authors everywhere wrote stories. All net profits benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity and The Butterfly AVM Charity.

Marrisse, who contributed a story called “Still Life,” said, “I was honored to have my short story chosen for inclusion in Written in the Stars.

“I normally write full psychological thrillers, which are set in the North East and ‘Still Life’ is my first short story, but I really enjoyed writing it.

“The book shot to #1 on Amazon’s bestsellers the first day it became available for pre-order, which is great news for charities.”