Isabel Williams from Penygroes, Carmarthenshire, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2015, when she was aged just twelve.
She faced her treatment bravely, never failing to make everyone around her smile with her positivity and cheeky sense of humour, but sadly passed away in December 2018.
Isabel was extremely creative, and benefited enormously from art therapy classes which were provided by LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity. These classes, which took place at Isabel’s home, led her to hit on the idea of creating a book that would help others with her simple message that even during the most testing of times, there is always hope and a way forward.
Along with Isabel’s aunty, Lisa, the story of Belle and the Bear came to life. Lisa helped Isabel with the story and the artwork which provides a beautiful accompaniment to this warm and soothing short tale about Belle and her friendship with the kindest of bears.
Throughout Isabel’s treatment and beyond, the family were supported by LATCH Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity, using services such as their home from home accommodation at the Children’s Hospital for Wales, and they’re just one of the charities chosen by Isabel to be the recipient of all profits from sales of this most special book, alongside Dreams and Wishes and The Brainstrust.
Steve Price, Public Relations Officer at LATCH, commented: “Isabel was a pure joy to be around, making an enormous impression on everyone here at LATCH and Rainbow Ward. Her gentle, kind nature is so evident throughout this wonderful book which is full of gentle wisdom and it says so much about her character that she wanted to give back even when she was going through such a terribly difficult time herself.”
Lisa commented: “Isabel is truly an inspiration to the family, and we had no idea that the book that we wrote together would go on to provide us all with so much comfort. We’re hopeful that sales from the books, which are available in both Welsh and English, will go on to help the three charities that played such a vital role in supporting us when things were really tough.”
You can purchase Belle and the Bear, which costs £5, at the LATCH Office and online store, Books Plus at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and Eve’s Toyshop, and Cuckoo’s Nest, Llandeilo. It’s also set to launch on Amazon on 21st March!
