May Macleod met Cara when she applied for a support role as a carer. They have been friends for two years. She said,
Cara’s day-to-day challenges are not insurmountable but need careful planning in advance. Cara is a very independent young lady with a Masters degree in Public Health and a BSc (Hons) in Medical Biology.
She was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) aged six, has used a walking frame and wheelchair from the age of seven and is now dependent on a ventilator along with a nasogastric tube to support feeding and medication. The friendship between May and Cara prompted the writing of the books, with 10 percent of the profits from the series being donated to MDUK.
May said,
Cara inspires me because regardless of her disability I have never heard her complain about issues beyond her control.
Her quick sense of dry resilient humour and intelligence keeps me on my toes. She is selfless, compassionate and considerate of others’ needs, and she is generous to a fault.
Emma Watkins, Regional development executive at MDUK said,
We are full of admiration for May’s wonderful imagination and ability in having put these books together. We are also very grateful to her for donating 10 percent of the profits towards funding for the research needed to find cures for muscle-wasting and associated conditions.
Back story of the books
The series of books entitled ‘primates pests and pollinators’ came to life after a conversation with Cara about the world we live in and all its trials and tribulations. From that conversation May decided to write a book of poems including educational, environmental and endangered species issues that would help children to become more aware of their existence in a fun and fact way. The illustrations are in black and white so that they can be coloured in and the last poem is left blank for children to ‘have a go’ at writing.
Please go here to buy the book