STV NewsAn Edinburgh dad who penned a book sharing people’s cancer experiences has launched his own publishing firm in a bid to spread hope for others with life-limiting conditions.
Kevin Donaghy, 57, was inspired to put together ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope’ after being diagnosed with stage four melastatic melanoma in December 2019.
He has now teamed up with two friends to launch publishing company Shandon Publishing, aiming to help other people affected by a life-changing diagnosis.
Kevin’s own cancer journey came in two waves.
In 2018, he had stage two melanoma removed and a ‘cancer-free’ diagnosis.
Eighteen months later, what began as back pain ended with a diagnosis of stage four incurable melanoma and he was administered immunotherapy to help extend his life.
STV NewsToday, there is no evidence of active disease in Kevin’s body, though he is being closely monitored.
“Everything changed for my family and me just before Christmas,” he told STV News.
“In 2020 my wife and I had a plan to go and travel, see as many friends and family as possible in case treatment didn’t work. We’d know quickly whether it worked or not.
“But in 2020, we found ourselves in lockdown a few weeks into treatment. My mental health wasn’t in a great place.”
Kevin found talking about cancer, and hearing about the experiences of others, helped in those early days and was inspired to spread hope in the community.
With the help of friends and family, he compiled a book sharing the journey of 35 people across the UK who have or have had cancer.
Six years on, there are more than 10,000 copies in circulation, with the book available in every Maggie’s centre in the UK and all cancer treatment centres in Scotland.
“I’d not written anything since school; it was quite daunting,” he said.
“But I knew the power of people who wanted to share their stories. You can talk about how you felt, your hope, your fears, your anxieties. It was an incredible privilege that people shared things they’d never shared with anyone else. It was through storytelling we enabled that.
“Sponsors got on board, friends and family. Over 60 people gave their time to help produce the book. That’s what carried us.”
STV NewsKevin and his partners have begun shortlisting other health conditions for similar titles, with hopes to publish another book by next year.
“For future books we publish, we know we can help other people not to feel alone,” he added.
The people behind this project hope any future books can help in the same way ‘Stories of Cancer and Hope’ has done.
Partner and graphic designer Derek Watson said he admired Kevin’s passion and said it was a “no brainer” to join the venture.
“Some stories are inspirational, some are heartbreaking,” he said. “I see how reading the book would give people hope and help them through their journey.
“It’s incredible to see that first-hand.”
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