An inspirational Dumfriesshire woman has turned her experiences of disability and bullying into a plot for her first book at the age of 67.
Irene Weal, who lives in Kirkpatrick Fleming, was born with congenital spastic diplegia which affects her from the waist down and has no cure.
Around eight years ago she decided to start writing a children’s book to help inspire youngsters who may also be disabled or be experiencing bullying.
And, during a spell at Dumfries Infirmary in October, she reached out to journalist and author Gilly Fraser to see if she could advise her on how to get her book, Lara’s Dream, into print.
Irene said: “I am absolutely thrilled that my book has finally been published and I couldn’t have done it without Gilly to whom I owe a big thanks.
“It started off as a children’s book but I am seeing that adults are enjoying it too.
“The character in the book is called Lara but it is really me. I want children to know that disability doesn’t have to stop or define you.
“I had to crawl through my first year at primary school and then spent the rest in leg callipers but I managed to start at Annan Academy without them. I wasn’t bullied until later in life.”
Upbeat Irene, who had years of treatment to help her muscle function, said she has worked hard to keep mobile and her current aid, a zimmer, is called Patience.
She is also hoping it will go on sale at Waterstones in Dumfries.
