Latest Headlines Kidderminster Shuttle. I hate to say it, but another piece of publicity which has had absolutely no effect on increasing donations (or book sales).

Lee’s novel idea to boost charity close to his heart

Friday 27th March 2009

By Adam Burling »

AN AUTHOR who grew up in Kidderminster is giving people the chance to be named as a character in his new book.

In return for a £3 donation to Bowel Cancer UK, Lee Crompton is asking people to put their names in forward, with the first four names out of the hat being included in the novel.
The book, due for publication in the autumn, has not been named yet but Lee hopes plenty of people will get involved.

“I’ve met so many people who have said they would love to be in a book, so I thought the idea would be a fun way to raise money for charity,” he said.

Lee’s previous novel was the thriller Digging Deep, released in 2007, a change in direction from the humorous tone of his other books, 12 Months and Worlds Apart.

Born in Bromsgrove, Lee’s family lived in Woodfield Crescent, Kidderminster until he was six, before moving to the south coast.

He made return visits to Wyre Forest in subsequent years during holiday times to visit relatives. Lee was inspired to start raising cash for the charity after his father, Edward Crompton, died of bowel cancer last May, aged 55.

“It was a complete shock to everyone,” explained Lee. “To lose your father is hard enough but especially when he had remained so positive throughout his treatment and was so looking forward to my stag do and wedding day.”

He also faces the “toughest challenge of his life” in May when he will be taking part in the Three Peaks Challenge. He will attempt to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – the highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland – within 24 hours.

“It’s not something I would normally dream of doing,” he said. You can sponsor Lee by visiting www.justgiving.com/leecromp ton or www.justgiving.com/ leecromptonbook

Just for the record, my last book was not called Digging Deep, I left Kidderminster when I was four and I don't remember saying the 3 peaks was going to be the "toughest challenge of my life" but having climbed Ben Lomond, it's probably not too far from the truth.