Ventorros launches Kickstarter to create books for terminally ill children

A children's publisher has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to create personalised books for terminally ill children.

Ventorros Press has initially set out to raise £10,000 to create bespoke adventure stories, which will feature a character named after the child the book is being gifted to. The initiative aims to create "wonderful diversions" that will empower the children to temporarily escape their surroundings.

A spokesperson for Ventorros Press commented: “If we can raise just £10,000, we will be able to brighten-up the days of around 15 children and their families, but we’re hoping we might double our target and help many more than that." The Kickstarter launched on 27th November.

The project was inspired by I Give You the Moon by Ventorros author Ffion Jones, illustrated by Gareth Jones, featuring a story exploring the enduring love between siblings. The main character, Baran, is based on a child who was admitted to a hospice with a rare form of cancer. Jones wrote the story for Baran, before submitting it to her publisher. 

Ventorros Press m.d. Graham Mulvein said authors including Ian Billings, Chris White, Anita Nair, K C Hayes and Jones had agreed to back the campaign. He said: "It was when we heard how much Baran had loved the book, having it by his side when he passed away, we saw that there was a way we could bring a little light to other children in similar circumstances.”

Illustrators currently linked to the project include Sayani Mukherjee, Mark Millicent and Mike Bryson.

Established in 2019, Ventorros Press specialises in new children's writing and illustrating. Authors on its list include novelist and children's writer Anita Nair. Its books are sold in high-street retailers including Waterstones and its sales are handled by Go Bang the Drum agency, with representation in Ireland through Butler Sims Limited.