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Teenager who died from rare strain of meningitis becomes published author

A children's book about a little boy's trip to the dentist. Originally written and illustrated by Edward Saunders, aged 11.

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At age 11, Edward Saunders had big plans for the future – he would write, illustrate, and publish a book.

But at 18, just hours after attending a Pink Floyd concert at Wembley Stadium in London, “the happy, clever, handsome and fun-loving boy” died of a rare strain of meningitis.

Years later, Edward’s mother Tracey discovered the book her son had written in a box of keepsakes, reports The Daily Mail. The title was: “Robey and the Dentist”.

“I read it and laughed and it was such a great read I thought: ‘Maybe we could get it published?’” Tracey said.

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Using the crowd-funding site Kickstarter, Tracey raised more than £10,000 in 30 days. The book was published by Hullo Creative, a Bristol-area design firm, who updated Edward’s original sketches.

“We’ve always been determined to make Edward’s dream come true, and so [we] have published this book in his memory. We hope you enjoy his humorous tale,” Tracey told Meningitis Now.

Over the last five years, cases of the aggressive W strain of meningitis have increased in the United Kingdom, reports The Daily Mail. Starting August 1, teenagers and young adults across England, Scotland, and Wales will be offered a vaccine aimed at combating the increase of viral meningitis, reports Burton Mail.

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“Robey and the Dentist” is available to purchase online and in local shops and dental clinics across England.