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Kelly Owen raised £1,187 from 67 supporters
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Closed 31/03/2018
Weʼve raised £1,187 to towards the design costs for a beautifully illustrated children's book which explains dying to children and families
- Cheltenham, United Kingdom
- Funded on Saturday, 31st March 2018
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Story
When we lost our 12-year-old daughter Abi in 2013, we were comforted by the story of the Waterbugs and Dragonflies. It's a old fable made famous by Doris Stickney. However, the book itself, while being published as cheaply as possible for wide distribution, isn't very engaging for children. It is a hopeful story explaining that death is a natural process and offers a spiritual insight into heaven, and I've always believed it could be presented beautifully to comfort families who have experienced loss.
I have adapted and modernised the fable and written a story around it that I want to get beautifully illustrated so it is colourful, light and a lasting treasure people can keep forever. I have teamed up with an amazing illustrator and plan to self-publish the book, but as a mum of four and with very little spare money I will struggle to do it without a bit of help to get me off the ground. I believe this book will be very successful and a valuable resource for individuals and charities.
What you get for your donation
A percentage of the profits will be donated to a children's bereavement charity.
Contributors receive a complimentary copy of the book.
Contributors also have the option to have their lost loved one's name included on the 'In Memory of...' page in the book. A book to honour all our little ones in heaven.
Anything you can contribute to this will be hugely appreciated, no matter how small. Every penny will be spent on the book. Illustration begins in December and publication is due in spring 2018.
(Note: if you would like the name of your lost loved one mentioned in the acknowledgements 'in memory of' section of the book please do add their name to your donation.)
Thank you
Kelly x
Chasing Dragonflies

Updates
7
5 years ago
Kelly Owen
5 years agoYou may have heard but I've been (amazingly!) shortlisted for the JustGiving Awards, as Crowdfunder of the Year. Thanks to your generosity in supporting my aim to produce a book for grieving children. I need your votes (it's so easy!) - if you've already voted, please ask your family or friends to vote too, and if you haven't yet voted, please do! This would be the publicity for the book that I simply couldn't buy! Thank you! https://www.justgiving.com/forms/awards/2018/vote?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20180822_116678
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6 years ago
Kelly Owen
6 years agoHello! Well, if you've not seen already, my book, The Dragonfly Story, will be published this week! I'm so excited and it looks better than I ever imagined. I want to thank you all again for helping me realise my dream! As part of your donation, you receive a free printed copy of the book. Please can you email your address to me at CDOffice@virginmedia.com as you are first on my distribution list. The book will also be listed on Amazon as a way to collect reviews. I will be sharing this link on my profile in due course. Thank you.
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6 years ago
Kelly Owen
6 years agoIt was such a lovely start to the week to receive the first spread of the book! I think you'll agree, the style is just perfect for a children's story about grieving. Thank you so much, for your donations, to help get this book into illustration! xxx
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Kelly Owen started crowdfunding
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Supporters
67
sue newman
Mar 28, 2018
Good luck Kelly. I hope the book is a great sucess xxx
£10.00
Kelly Owen
Feb 6, 2018
Generous donation from the Christmas Raffle at Ellenborough Park Hotel
£140.00
Marie P
Dec 8, 2017
This is a wonderful initiative, and I'm sure it will bring comfort to many. I look forward to the finished product! With all good wishes x
Jamie Rose
Dec 1, 2017
Kelly, Thinking of you and your family.Lots of love xxxx
£10.00
Emma Butland
Nov 26, 2017
Lots of love from Em, Harry & Bea xxx
£10.00
Carol Andrews
Nov 26, 2017
Publication of your book will help families who are trying to make sense of grief. Xx
£10.00
Deborah Roberts
Nov 26, 2017
Your blog is inspirational so I'm sure your book will be fabulous. Happy Birthday Abi. Please remember my daughter Lauren Kimberley Roberts on the memory page if it isn't too late X
£10.00
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Kelly Owen
Cheltenham, United Kingdom
In 2013, my world was shattered when I lost my eldest child, Abi, following a sudden brain haemorrhage. I turned to writing to express my emotions and all the ways grief has impacted my life. It has always been on my heart to write books to support other families.