It pays tribute to Matthew\u2019s father, Paul Bullock \u2014 a well-known Grantham businessman and member of the Rotary Club of Grantham Kesteven \u2014 who died of Covid-19 in March 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n The book introduces readers to a talking frog named Nigel, who helps a nervous boy called Matt \u2014 loosely based on Matthew himself \u2014 learn to windsurf.<\/p>\n The story draws on family outings to places like Rutland<\/a> Water and Ferry Meadows in Peterborough<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cI have such vivid memories of my dad sitting beside my bed, arms waving, making up wild adventures for Nigel with phrases like \u2018Wok wok!\u2019 and \u2018Wok diddly wok!\u2019,\u201d said Matthew.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a regular part of bedtime, something I looked forward to, and something I\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n \u201cHis imagination, warmth and silly voices made them unforgettable.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter losing my sister to cancer, and later my dad to Covid, those stories took on even more meaning.<\/p>\n \u201cI felt compelled to bring them to life in a way that would honour both of them.\u201d<\/p>\n Paul and Matthew ran H2O Leisure at the Downtown Garden Centre at Gonerby Moor.<\/p>\n Matthew, who lives in Grantham, is raising money for causes close to his heart, including cancer and autism charities. His younger brother is autistic and non-verbal.<\/p>\n The book is illustrated in a gentle watercolour style, which Matthew said he developed closely with an artist to match the story\u2019s \u201ctimeless and calming\u201d tone.<\/p>\n He said the response had been \u201ctruly lovely,\u201d adding: \u201cMy five-year-old daughter Mia is absolutely in love with the story \u2014 she proudly tells everyone that her daddy wrote it.<\/p>\n \u201cSeeing her light up when we read it together has been incredibly special.\u201d<\/p>\n Future titles in the series include Nigel and the Windy Day, about staying calm in the face of chaos, and A Christmas Wish, focusing on kindness and hope during the festive season.<\/p>\nMatthew Bullock\u2019s picture book honours his father and supports cancer and autism charities. Photo: Supplied<\/p>\n
Rotarian Paul Bullock died after contracting coronavirus Covid-19. Photo: Supplied<\/p>\n