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Bristol GP writes children’s book to raise money for charity
A local GP has published a children’s book which will raise money for St Peter’s Hospice.
Dr Tim Hodkinson, a 37-year-old general practitioner based in Keynsham, and his wife Katie have written ‘Twas the Night Shift Before Christmas, to raise funds for the charity over the festive period.
The children’s book depicts those who have a duty of care year-round, including nurses, doctors, paramedics, police, firefighters and carers.
Following the story of a mother heading out for work while her two daughters stay at home, it shines a light on those who work while the rest of the world sleeps.
The book celebrates an array of grey-collar workers – photo: Tim and Katie Hodkinson
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Tim said: “A lot of stories around Christmas are about spending time with your family, however there are thousands of families in the UK that do not share the same story.
“Children know now that Santa is coming in the night but want to know when their mum and dad will be home”.
As a GP, Tim no longer works busy night shifts on Christmas, but he recalled many instances of working busy Christmas nights.
“The ward manager shoved a mince pie into my hand and told me to take five minutes in a tiny room,” he laughed.
“It was such a small thing, but it stuck with me – that sense of camaraderie in the NHS, everyone being in it together.”
This moment even made it into the book, shown as an illustration of a half-eaten mince pie next to a stethoscope.
While the inspiration for the book came from Tim’s experience, the story is also deeply personal for his wife, Katie.
Her mother worked as a nurse in Southmead hospital when she was growing up, and Katie remembered spending her Christmases waiting for her to come back home.
Tim told Bristol24/7: “It’s really her story. Katie grew up with it, and it meant a lot to her mum too. We wanted to tell that story for all the families who live that reality every year”.
Tim has self-published the book, which he said allowed him to make a difference in a short time period and raise more money for charity quickly.
He wanted full creative control to “make sure the story, illustrations and message stayed true to the people it represents,” which external publishing might not have offered him.
The couple picked St Peter’s Hospice as they felt it closely aligned with the project.
Tim said: “[It] embodies the same compassion this story celebrates, caring for people and families at their most vulnerable, often while the rest of the world is celebrating.
“Their nurses and carers do the quiet, vital work that rarely makes headlines but changes lives every day”.
Tim hopes to inspire us to be more considerate with this story but also hopes the money will support those who genuinely deserve it.
The book is available online and the couple are excited to start raising money for the charity.
A minimum of 10% of author profits from every purchase will be donated to St Peter’s Hospice.
Tim said: “As a local GP, I’ve seen first-hand the comfort and dignity they bring to patients and loved ones, especially over Christmas.
“Supporting St Peter’s feels like closing the circle, giving something back to those who give so much”.
For Tim and Katie, ‘Twas the Night Shift Before Christmas is a way of giving back and honouring the charity.
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