Book helps adults see illness through the eyes of a child
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| 'The right to know': the new book gives tips on telling children about serious illness |
A children's audio book has been launched to tackle the subjects of severe illness and death - through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy whose grandmother is suffering from the rare illness Pulmonary Hypertension (PH).
My Nana is an Alien looks at the fears and doubts youngsters have when serious conditions are not fully explained to them and their imagination is left to run wild.
The story looks at the boy's reactions when his grandmother is rushed to hospital and he thinks something sinister is happening.
As well as suffering from PH she has suffered a stroke and the boy cannot understand why she is speaking a 'strange' language.
A survey commissioned by the patient support charity Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA-UK), showed that, if a close relative was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, 11 per cent of people in Borehamwood would only tell children a version of the truth if they thought it was absolutely necessary.
A further 36 per cent would only tell children what they felt youngsters needed to know.
Author Diane Whitley, who has written scripts for children's programmes including Grange Hill, was inspired to write the book after the death of her mother, Hilda, from PH in 2004.
"I realized when my mother was dying that things were not always made clear to the younger members of our family," said Ms Whitley.
"Sometimes it's difficult for adults to discuss illness and death to little ones. But they have as much right to know as anyone, and not explaining things to them can lead to all kinds of problems."
The story includes tips and suggestions for adults on the best ways to help children deal with illness and death. All proceeds from the audio book will be donated to PHA-UK.
Kay Yeowart, deputy chairman of the charity, said: "Pulmonary Hypertension is a serious life-threatening progressive condition affecting both the lungs and the heart.
"Although treatable, like many serious illnesses the emotional ripple effect spreads throughout the family and many patients wonder how much to tell the children involved.
"PHA-UK are delighted to have been involved with the audio book and hope it encourages those affected by PH and other serious diseases to discuss their illness with their loved ones."
To purchase a copy of My Nana is an Alien, visit www.pha-uk.com.
8:38am Tuesday 5th February 2008
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