A generous author who overcame dyslexia has donated copies of her latest book to children in hospital to bring some Christmas cheer.

Grandmother Jackie Burns, 61, has donated copies of Through the Trees: Squirrels Play with Me for young patients on the Children’s Ward at Walsall Manor Hospital.

Mum of two Jackie, from Hednesford, spent time working in a school for special needs, and her latest book, like her debut work, is aimed at six to eight years olds.

A barber for 20 years, she became a carer in an old people’s home before her current role working in a coffee shop at Hollybush Garden Centre in Essington.

“I thought it would be a nice thing to do to offer the books to the Children’s Ward and the staff were glad to have them,” said Jackie, who has a three-year-old grandson.

“I love children and think they’re great – I get my inspiration from them. I don’t think I’m clever enough to write for older children!

“I was dyslexic at school which makes it more magical – I’ll suddenly get a thought as soon as I start writing, it just flows.

“I started writing during the COVID-19 lockdown for something to do and wrote two children’s books in three months.

“A couple of women at work liked them and passed them around so I sent them to six publishers and three wanted to publish.

“Both got published so I was delighted to see my work in print. Maybe there’s more to come.”

Jackie has spent much of her life living on Cannock Chase and recently moved back to the area after six years residing near Tenby in South Wales, where her husband of 38 years Sam managed an activity and glamping centre.

Emma Lester, Play Leader at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “It was a wonderful surprise to receive this call from Jackie and a lovely, generous gesture from her.

“Our younger patients will benefit from this at what is always a challenging time for them.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, Walsall Healthcare’s charity which received the books, said: “We really appreciate Jackie donating these books to our poorly children.”

Jackie’s first book, Poppy in Noah’s Playground Adventures written in 2021, was split into two parts, Magic Island and Castle in the Sky.

Through the Trees is published by Austin Macauley, priced £8.99. Magic Island and Castle in the Sky are available at £9.99 and £12.21 respectively on Amazon.