Former Spalding schoolboy's moving memoir has been relaunched with a new over
A heartfelt memoir written by a former Spalding schoolboy is being re-launched with a powerful new cover.
Life After Care by Rev Mark Edwards MBE (58), first published in 2017, is described as the true story of a young boy’s journey from mentally unwell institutionalised teen to prominent figure in his local community.
The book – now published by Welbeck Publishers – chronicles Mark’s mental health journey.
From a turbulent childhood, moving between foster placements and children’s homes, things took a drastic turn when he tried to take his own life as an early teen and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
During his time as a patient at a crumbling Victorian psychiatric hospital, Mark kept a diary - which gives a fascinating insight into his state of mind and experiences of love and loss.
His inspiring story shows how a troubled young man managed to turn his life around. From being imprisoned in the care system and mislabelled as a violent boy with no hope, he went on to rebuild his life to find peace and happiness.
Mark, a former Ivo Cottage resident and former Spalding Gleed Boys’ School pupil, is now a successful family man.
Married to Lesley, with whom he has four children, he’s been ordained in the Anglican Church and is a prominent figure in his local area.
By sharing his struggles Mark, now the vicar at St Matthew’s Church, in Dinnington, and St Cuthbert’s Church, in Brunswick, Newcastle upon Tyne, hopes to inspire others and show there is hope in the most despairing of situations.
“It has been a tough journey, but I found faith, hope and love and continue to thrive despite the many disadvantages I suffered as a child and young man,” he said.
“I still wrestle with my mental health issues but through my faith, my marriage, my service to the community, I am able to continue to give something back rather than be a victim - and by sharing my story I hope to show others there is always hope.”
Mark’s first book, Tears in the Dark, about his time at Ivo Cottage, Albion Street, Spalding, was published in 2003 and is available online. His third book, Beyond the Collar – A Priest’s Personal Journey, was published by Faith Builders, on January 1, and is available via Amazon.
lLife After Care by Rev Mark Edwards is available now published by Welbeck Publishers.
