A PROUD dad is set to publish a children’s book in memory of his late son who died before he could see it published.

Paul Joynson is launching The Mingoes and their Amazing Adventures next week.

The book is a collection of funny poems and illustrations and was inspired by Paul’s granddaughter, who couldn’t pronounce the word Flamingo as a young child.

He had the idea of writing something to read to granddaughter Amelia four years ago when she was four.

Amelia just wanted to have Mr Men books read to her, so Paul set himself the challenge of writing something as exciting as the popular series and began work on a collection of poems called Mingoes.

After releasing the book on a small scale a few years ago, Paul is now getting it officially published and on sale with Amazon and Waterstones.

Paul, 74, of Poplar Close, Halstead, is publishing the book in the memory of son Olly, who died in August, aged just 41, after a year-long battle with motor neurone disease.

Paul decided to publish the book after his son was diagnosed with the incurable disease in August 2019.

Olly was heavily involved in the production of the book, using his knowledge from working as a graphic designer.

Sadly, Olly was unable to see the fruits of his labour after the original release date in February was pushed back due to Covid-19.

Now the book will be available to buy from next Wednesday, with all proceeds going to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Paul said: “I’m not very technically-minded so I’d do a drawing but send it to Olly.

“He also typeset all of the poems. He was involved to a heavy degree.

“The profits from the book are going to charity and that is also written in the front of the book.

“I’ve seen quite a lot of interest and I’m really thrilled with it.

“The stories came naturally to me but the challenging part was getting the illustrations done.

“I want to create more interest in motor neurone disease because at the moment there is virtually no research being done.

“There is no way out, no cure. You know what the end is going to be.

“People are grieving them before they have even passed away.

“Olly was just the most amazing and incredibly brave lad.

“Throughout, he never complained and really took it all on the chin.”

To pre-order Paul’s new book, visit either Amazon or Waterstones online and search for ‘Mingoes’.