Man from Earlestown writes first book at 88 following partner's death

Colin Cunliffe, born on Cherry Street, Earlestown, published his debut book about growing up in Newton-le-Willows following the death of his partner Mave. 

Her passing fuelled him to write the book he had always discussed writing, with locals who knew Colin’s situation also spurring him on to get it done.

Following the push he needed, Colin finally wrote his very first book.

Colin and his partner Mave, who passed away last year (Image: Colin Cunliffe)

Discussing the book, Colin told the Star: "I was born in 1934 in Earlestown, and once I started to become aware of the world, the book starts at that point.

"It goes through adventures I got up to with my mates; nothing sinister and nasty, we just had fun. Then through to 1955 when I had to go into the RAF, and it covers that period too.

"I’ve put my own illustrations of the adventures we went on and some that went badly wrong. It also covers the story of my family – people found it very amusing but also very emotional in some parts."

Since its release, Colin, who now lives in Burchwood, has been sighted doing book signings in Earlestown, with proceeds to go to Pancreatic Cancer UK and Kidney Research UK; two causes close to his heart.

Over £500 has already been raised from supportive locals purchasing the book.

The newly turned author also shared that he is overwhelmed by the response from the people of Newton-le-Willows, who came together to fund for his late partner’s memorial bench.

Mave's memorial bench is located at the Renal Centre in Warrington Hospital, where she was treated (Image: Colin Cunliffe)

He added: "On remembrance Sunday, I sat outside Crumpets Café and sold 75 copies in an hour and a quarter.

"The people of Newton-le-Willows have been absolute darlings to me because when my partner died, a lot of people met her, and they funded a memorial bench for her in the Renal Centre in Warrington as she was on dialysis there.

"It was the people of Newton-le-Willows that funded that, so they’ve been absolutely brilliant. It’s meant a lot to me, as this book is dedicated to my parents and relatives, to my teachers, my darling Mave, and also to the people of Newton-le-Willows; it’s them who encouraged me to do this.

"This friend of mine, Elaine, also kicked me up the backside and told me to get the book going again, and thankfully that’s what I did."

Colin, who has been working all his life until his retirement at the age of 79, including roles in the nuclear industry, would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who bought his book and supported the cause.