Prestwich, UK – Dave Steele, known as The Blind Poet, surprised attendees at a recent event in Didsbury. Steele, an award-winning poet, author, and advocate for the visually impaired, was a special guest at the Family Fun Day hosted by Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Francis House is a renowned organization that provides care and support to the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions. The two-day event transformed the hospice’s grounds into a lively music festival, complete with a large tent, food stalls, live bands, and performances.
The Family Fun Day, catered to children aged 13 and under, featured a variety of activities such as magic shows, appearances by princesses and Disney characters, and the reading of Steele’s new children’s book, “The Unstoppable Duo.”
The book is the second installment in the “Austin’s Amazing Adventures” series, which follows the story of a young boy named Austin who is slowly losing his vision. The character of Austin is based on Steele’s own son, who also goes by the same name. In this book, Austin meets a new classmate named Josh, who is a wheelchair user.
Steele, who was accompanied by his wife Amy and 12-year-old son Austin, shared the importance of being a part of such a joyful event. “Francis House holds a special place in our hearts as a family, and this book is a tribute to my nephew Josh, who sadly passed away from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at just 18 years old,” he said. “To be invited here today and honor the work that Francis House has done for our family and countless others over the years is a true honor.”
As someone who has experienced firsthand the challenges of living with a disability, Steele understands the importance of having a supportive community. “For anyone facing a disability or any challenges in life, having a community where you can be around others who understand and can relate is crucial,” he shared. “Living in a world that is not always accessible can be difficult, but Francis House provides a place where accessibility and support are the top priorities.”
Steele hopes that his book, “The Unstoppable Duo,” will not only give representation to children with disabilities but also serve as a valuable tool for schools and families to teach inclusion and promote conversations about empathy, difference, and strength.
During the event, Steele also recited a touching poem he had written specifically for Francis House. Rachel Ellis, a member of the Francis House homecare team, expressed her gratitude for having Steele join them on such a special day. “Our families are often overwhelmed with hospital visits, treatments, and worries. We wanted to create a safe and accessible space where they could simply enjoy being a family and make magical memories,” she said. “Having Dave here with us and sharing his new book and beautiful poem has been a memorable experience for everyone.”
“The Unstoppable Duo” will be released on September 19 and will be available in large print and braille versions, as well as in PenFriend compatible and audio versions. It can be purchased from Steele’s website, www.theblindpoet.net.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.