On Friday 12 September 2008 a champagne reception and dinner was held at at Taunton School, for the launch of ‘My Angel Tree’ by Kirsty Bilski. The foreword was written by television presenter Noel Edmonds. The book has been written by Kirsty Bilski in memory of her daughter Jessica, who sadly died at the age of 11 due to a rare form of Liver Cancer. The Special Guest was Bob Champion MBE, who himself suffered from cancer before he won the Grand National on Aldaniti in 1981. All the proceeds from the launch and all of the authors royalties are being donated ‘Children's Hospice South West’. The launch was attended by over 100 people including the charity’s Chief Executive Eddie Farwell. Both Eddie Farwell and Bob Champion MBE spoke of their admiration towards Kirsty for writing this sensitive book. Bob Champion said: “It is an extremely moving, wonderful book written from the heart expressing courage and understanding – a tribute to Jess and her family”. Eddie Farwell said: “Kirsty relates events with a great recollection for detail but also writes movingly of the emotions and feelings surrounding each step in her family’s journey alongside Jess.
Author Kirsty Bilski was thrilled how the event went, she said: “The evening went really well and the book was extremely well received. All the feedback has been incredibly positive surrounding both the book and the launch evening. We have raised over £5,000 for the charity which is fabulous. I was overwhelmed by people's comments which made all my hard work seem worthwhile. It was a privilege to have both Bob Champion MBE and Eddie Farwell at the launch as well as Chris Cowlin and Jackie Bright from Apex Publishing Ltd. As a family, it was a special night on many different levels and I think we will remember it for a long time. I wrote the book for my younger two children so they would have a chance to know their sister, I knew their memories would fade in time as they were so young when she died. I know they are immensely proud of me for writing the book and that it has now been published. I know Jess would be extremely proud her story is now going to go on to hopefully help others. The launch evening was a celebration of Jessie's life and a very special time for us all.”
Bilski’s spokesperson Chris Cowlin said: “The evening was fantastic, Kirsty has written a very moving book which is a great tribute to her daughter, Jessica. Her book has received wonderful reviews and words of support. It is a terrific gesture by Kirtsy donating all of her royalties to ‘Children's Hospice South West’ and over £5,000 from the launch is a brilliant start.”
Book Launch & Charity Evening
