A Prestwick-based author is the brainchild behind a new book aiding ambulance staff through the pandemic.
Hayleigh Barclay, 32, teamed up with uni pal and co-editor Sylvia Hehir, from West Highlands, to create an anthology of writers’ work for a good cause.
All proceeds from sales of Stories from Home- a collection of over 60 pieces of short stories and poetry including comedy, crime, fantasy and history- will be donated to The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC), in recognition of their frontline work.
TASC offer emotional, financial and community support to paramedics, ambulance crew and their families across the UK.
Hayleigh, whose debut novel Girl of the Ashes is out in October, said: “I think everyone just wants to contribute something to help in some way.
“We’ve seen the amazing acts of kindness that communities have done to support each other – we wanted to play our part.
“We realised with the friends and networks we had built over the years through Uni and writing groups we had the perfect opportunity to create an amazing book.
“I think now more than ever it is important to remember that although lockdown restrictions are easing, the virus hasn’t gone away.
“Our ambulance staff will still need to deal with new cases on top of the other emergencies they are called to.
Stories from Home, published by Garmoran Publishing, features over 40 writers from near and far including Scotland, England and the USA.
For some, this is their first opportunity to be published whereas others are award-winning writers and New York Times bestselling authors.
The anthology is available as an ebook for Kindle and a print on demand paperback.
Hayleigh added: “A lot of people don’t know that TASC exists to help provide mental health, financial, and community support to our ambulance services.
“By buying the book more support can reach those in need and help TASC continue their essential work.
“We hope there is something to suit everyone.”
