Widowed Misterton author pens memoir on loss of childhood sweetheart and learning to live as single dad
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Ric Hart, 36, released Pupy Love – an affectionate misspelling the couple shared in notes to each other – to coincide with Valentine’s Day.
It was a date full of significance, given that it is when he first met childhood sweetheart Jade in 2002, and the date they chose to get married in Thailand in 2015.
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Hide AdHe said: “My autobiography tells the story of our romance, our lives, but also my grief journey and stepping into lockdown as a single parent.”
The book recalls how the couple faced obstacles as they grew up but never let go of each other or forgot what brought them together in the first place.
It is just over two years since Jade died, leaving Ric alone with baby Hugo to care for.
The intervening period has been a test of Ric’s inner strength and resilience, while taking steps to find peace and acceptance for the loss of his soul mate.
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Hide AdWriting has been key to that process, and Ric published his first book, aimed at children, last year.
Hugo and Daddy’s Night-time Adventures is written as a poem and linked by colourful illustrations to capture moments a child might experience after the death of a parent. It was written during the first lockdown, in the early hours before Hugo woke up.
Proceeds from that book have been donated to bereavement care charity Cruse, while free copies have also been given to Nottinghamshire libraries.
The autobiography let Ric to go further still, exploring grief, healing and life with Hugo in grown-up terms.
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Hide AdHe said: “Not only has the book allowed me to step forward in my life and share my journey with everyone, but also there are lots of people out there that are suffering.
“I’m hoping it can help or inspire readers to realise there is always a way to step forward positively.”
Proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the charity Widowed and Young.
Pupy Love is available in online bookstores from £12.99. Readers can also share in the story via the Jade Hart Pupy Love page on Facebook.