Poetry booklet raises funds for Diabetes UK

A retired headteacher was so inspired by her diabetic husband that she used her writing skills to put pen to paper to raise money for charity with a poetry booklet called ‘Simply Bexhill’.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Aug 2014, 12:24 BST

Claire Baldry’s husband Chris has been a type 1 diabetic for over 30 years. During the past three decades Claire said Chris has had a lot to deal with. “He has four insulin injections daily - that’s around half a million injections in his lifetime. “He was the inspiration for my fund raising activities for Diabetes UK.”

Since retiring from education Claire now writes and performs humorous poetry. Her first booklet of poetry, Simply Bexhill, is illustrated by local photographer, Sharon Webster. All profits go to Diabetes UK.

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Claire says she’s sometimes called ‘The Bexhill Pam Ayres’ and her poem ‘The De La Warr Date’ recently won a Silver Surfers ‘Write to Win’ prize.

Sales of Simply Bexhill are going well, and Claire has bookings to perform her poetry as far afield as Southampton. She will next perform locally at the King Offa School Fete on September 20.

Local resident Sandy Willard says Claire’s poems are “brilliant”, adding: “ I just don’t know how she comes up with them.”

Claire is delighted that her booklet is being so well received. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to my poetry. We have already raised over £200 for Diabetes UK, and the total is rising all the time.”

Booklets cost £3.95 and are available in Bexhill at Starlings Gifts, The Little British Tea Shop, Windmill Drive Post Office, The Old Town Tea Shop and online. Visit: www.poetrybyclaire.co.uk

Related topics:Bexhill