Ricardo Bertora, 40, has written a children’s book that explains lockdown, with £1 of every sale going to NHS Charities Together.
Oh No, Not Another Lockdown! was written by the dad-of-two after he watched his own father pass away from Covid-19.
Ricardo, who was born in South Africa and has lived in London for the last 18 years, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘It was very tough for me personally, but I know a lot of families’ lives have been so devastatingly impacted too. It’s really very sad.
‘And the NHS are on the frontline – I don’t know how they do it. They are true heroes and the 1% payrise must feel like a slap in the face after the year they just had.’
To try to find a way to help, he brainstormed with his eight-year-old twins, Rafael and Isabella, who suggested things like selling their mum’s cupcakes and donating from their own piggy bank.
When Rafael suggested selling his drawings outside a tube station with his dad, Ricardo had the idea to write the picture book in aid of the NHS.
Ricardo wrote the book in just a few days, hired an illustrator, and three months later it was ready to go.
His says his wife Emiliana, who works part-time for a charity, ‘really enjoys the story,’ and adds: ‘My kids love the story and are proud of daddy’s book, they have been telling their friends and teachers at school when they went back.’
In addition to Oh No, Not Another Lockdown!, Ricardo has two more books on the way – Apples, Ants & Underpants and Mr Pig Goes To The Beach.
He says his father was a self-published writer too, having written three novels in his retirement.
‘So in a way,’ adds Ricardo, ‘This was more in his memory to follow in his footsteps.’
Want a copy? You can order from Ricardo’s website.
Each copy costs £5.99, and they’re printed in the UK on-demand in a bid to take it a bit easier on the environment.
Ricardo is also offering Metro Readers £1 off using the code ‘Metro’ – you just need to apply the code during checkout.
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