A NEW debut novel by a Poole-based author aims to help raise funds for a charity supporting those affected by a rare type of childhood cancer.

Blue Monday, by Simon B N Thompson, tells the humorous and thought-provoking story of a young boy growing up in fast-changing, industrial Coventry in 1970s.

Part of the proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT).

The charity is close to the author’s heart after his daughter was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare type of eye cancer.

“My daughter was diagnosed at nine months old. Retinoblastoma grows on the retina of the eye and ultimately results in removal of the eye,” said the author.

CHECT is the only UK charity solely dedicated to helping families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma. The cancer mainly affects children under the age of six.

“Once removed, there is usually no further incidence of cancer and a prosthetic eye made from an acrylic is worn. The eye is so realistic it is often difficult to distinguish between real eyes,” said Simon.

However, it’s the author’s own childhood experiences from where the idea came to write the book.

“Blue Monday is unique in presenting a story-within-a-story that parallels the life and inner battles of the childhood of a boy growing up in a city that was rebuilt quickly after the second world war,” Simon said.

Simon’s daughter is now 10 years old, cancer-free and enjoying her own childhood.

“She has had an incredible journey of overcoming potential vision problems and has become an accomplished gymnast, acrobat, swimmer and runner,” he said.

“Recently, she was awarded this year’s first ever swimming award for speed at Longfleet School, Poole.”