A young mum has written, designed and published an inspiring book based on her two sons.
Courteney Cannan from Rawtenstall wrote a motivational story called ‘I Can Do It!’ about a little boy Raurie overcoming his fears thanks to the help he receives from his big brother Theo. Courteney, 22, said: “I was inspired to write the book because my younger son Raurie is three and he is currently having an autism assessment because he has a lot of anxiety issues about different things. The book is based on his relationship with his big brother Theo who is five.
“Theo will tell Raurie that he can do things with a little bit of help and that is OK. It is what makes him, him. The message of the book is "it is OK to be different, it is OK to be frightened and if you push yourself, you can do it.”
READ MORE:
Girl, 5, left sobbing and family confused after 'loud bangs' outside home
Much-loved bistro trading for two decades addresses rumours it's set to close
Since publishing her book on Amazon, Courteney has had excellent feedback. She went into Raurie’s nursery SuperPeas in Rawtenstall, and did a reading and has been contacted by Waterfoot Primary School.
Courteney said: “Theo loves being in a book. When I began writing it I told them it was a book about them and when I showed it to Theo he was really excited. Theo is starting to read and he enjoys reading a book about himself.”
Theo said: “I was super happy that the book was about me. When mummy read the book to me, I was happy and shocked. I had been dreaming that Raurie and I could be in a book. I like reading the book to my brother.”
In 2018 aged 18, Courteney found herself homeless after she left an unhappy relationship. She was sofa surfing in relatives' homes, but she already had Theo, who had just turned one, and her relatives did not have room for the young family.
Courteney turned to the Rawtenstall-based M3 Project and the charity was able to find her a two-bedroom house.
This year the M3 Project, which works throughout East Lancashire, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. She said: “I had nowhere for me and my baby to stay, M3 Project helped me and supported me. Getting the house made such a difference to my son because he wasn’t happy when we were sofa surfing staying with family and friends, and I didn’t want him to have that.
“M3 was there when I needed them. As a young mum I didn’t know where to turn and how to get both me and Theo out of the run we were stuck in. It made a massive difference having our own space. It was not just that they found me somewhere to live, but they provided weekly support and visits.
“They also helped us to get this house and I am now looking forward to getting married to my fiancé, Kieron Vanderbom, in four months.”
M3 Project will be celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of summer activities and events from May to raise money for the charity and raise awareness. To find out more visit www.rossendalem3.org or contact 01706 216600.
READ NEXT:
