Cancer diagnosis and rescued dog leads to charity fundraising books by an Ilkeston woman

The rescue of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier has led to well over £1,000 being donated to charity.

During the pandemic, in February 2020, Michelle Camm from Ilkeston went for a regular smear test, but, having not suffered any symptoms, was diagnosed with late stage cervical cancer but after going through some gruelling treatment, she was later told that it had been successful, so wanted to share her truth and inspire, raise money and tell a story.

She came up with an idea of writing a book in early 2022 because she was cancer free.  When she wrote and released the book, there was yet to be another member of the Camm family. 

As of the date of publication of this article, it has raised £1,600 for various charities through sales of several hundred copies with 'The Senior Staffy Club' benefitting from some of the money (£311) since they began to promote the memoir in March 2023.  The Club was the place from which pet - 9 year old Tubby Custard - was subsequently rescued and after this point, Michelle couldn't think of any reason why it couldn't then offer donations to dog rescue too.   At first, Michelle thought that her idea of writing a book was unachievable, before working hard to complete a manuscript which ultimately led to her work being published.

'A Lioness' is about her cancer journey, but also treasured period of her life.  Michelle said: "I wanted to tell a story full of richness and speak of all the people and hobbies that pulled me through such a testing time in my life.

"I thanked friends and loved ones and tell readers what a strong husband I'm blessed to have by my side through thick and thin. The book covers magical events that came along once i was well again. 

"This involved appearing on TV, in newspapers and magazines and working alongside Derby hospital to share my positive outlook with other cancer patients and health professionals who know about my book. Royal Derby Hospital endorsed the book and have helped me advertise this achievement. There is too much to mention!"

Becoming an author has led Michelle to get involved in public speaking and has presented talks to WI groups and ladies church support groups.  But the efforts haven't been easy.  

Michelle continued: "The promotion has been hard work, all of my own doing...emailing and thinking of ways to get the project noticed is a constant part of daily thinking. Everything that comes along advertisement wise is due to the correspondence I send out far and wide. It takes a great deal of time to compile a decent, captivating message."

However, she said that the author journey has, so far, been as challenging as releasing the book but added that it had been a golden experience which has spanned a whole year but that it hadn't come cheap.

She said: "It's non-profit making, the book cost me £4,300 to bring into this world. I'm about £1,800 short of gaining the cost of the project back. I don't mind about the loss though as I have chased a dream, helped others, donated funds, told a beautiful story for readers to enjoy, had some fame, and love every crazy opportunity the book has handed me. 

"I'm just a normal woman; wife and mum of two, but I am proof that anything is possible and you should "go for it" where dreams and aspirations are concerned. This is about my life!

"I have come to realise that I've found my calling. Raising money, sharing a story of hope and love and making new friendships gives me the greatest happiness I've ever known. I buzz when new challenges unfold. 

"Cancer has made me a different person; it's enlightened me and brought out a new inner strength I never knew existed!"

Michelle has already carried out hundreds of hours of book promotion, but help is on hand after she released the book on Amazon to help push its existence, and she has also set up a website and Facebook page.

She explained more about her adopted pet's name and how much in demand he has been.  She said: "He has always been called 'Tubby Custard'. Because of his name he was very loved and popular; everyone wanted to adopt him. Our of 30 applicants my prayers were answered. We were offered first refusal!  We drove to Worcester twice in 24 hours to see him! We covered 384 miles in 24 hours to bond with him.

I believe Tubby is my reward for doing such a kind thing regards my book project. I feel I have so much to tell, yet an email doesn't do it justice."

The rescue centre has since been selling the books to help raise as much money as possible.

You can find out more and buy a copy of 'A Lioness' at www.thisismichellecamm2020.co.uk

Michelle has since published a second book - this one for children -  for which she received inspiration in May 2023 - called 'Tubby Custard' with the aim to raise more money for dog charities. Tubby even has his own Facebook page from which copies of that book can be purchased.   They are also available from Chambers Pet Supplies in Ilkeston and Babbington Dog Rescue in Awsworth.  Any sales made at the latter will benefit their rescue charity.