A Congleton mum who wrote a book for her son with autism has secured a publishing deal.

Jasmin Manley (27), who lives on a terraced house near Astbury Mere Country Park, couldn't find a book which her autistic son Max (4) could relate to, so she penned her own during lockdown.

Fantastic Max, is a children's book for three-to-four year olds who also have complex additional needs.

Fast-forward to today, the mum-of-one has secured a deal with a publishers in London, and needs to raise £2,500 towards her publishing costs.

Jasmin now has ambitions to launch a career in writing. (Image - Alexander Greensmith)

The ex-police officer and carer for Max, now has aspirations of a career in writing.

"The book is about Max and children's disabilities", she said.

"We were in lockdown and we were doing what every parent was doing and trying to keep their children entertained.

"Max was a non-verbal toddler at the time. We were told to read him stories, and he might start talking.

If the book raises enough money to get published, Congleton special needs charity Ruby's Fund - of Roe Street - will receive some of the profits. (Image - Ruby's Fund)

"So we wanted to try and find stories that could relate to him and could engage him. But we couldn't find any.

"There are some about autistic kids but they were for older children. We couldn't find one geared towards three or four year olds."

Max was almost three when Jasmin completed the first draft of the book, and after a few months of reading it to him, he began to talk.

It was only when she mentioned the book in passing to curious parents at Ruby's Fund in Congleton, when Jasmin decided to start contacting publishers.

Fantastic Max is about Jasmin (left) and Ryan's (right) son Max (centre). If Jasmin can get the book published, a percentage of the sales will go to a Congleton charity. (Image - Ruby's Fund)

So far, £609 has been raised through donations from the generous people of Congleton, and has also caught the interest parents with children who have autism.

This means just £1,891 is needed for Jasmin's to kickstart her published author dream.

The publishing deal will help with printing costs, and to pay for an illustrator for the Congleton mum's book.

Other than having a few poems published when she was younger, this is Jasmin's first foray into published writing.

Park Lane School in Macclesfield.

"If we do raise enough money for the publishing deal, 15% of the book sales will go towards Ruby's Fund", added Jasmin.

"It would love to become a published author, and for Max and his friends at Park Lane Special School to also read the book and relate to him.

"In the book, it is about how Max needs a little extra help with day to day life, but he is still amazing, so I think it is nice that if a child reads that and realises that disabilities are actually really cool.

"A massive thank you you to anyone who has donated.

As parents of a disabled child, this is money we simply don't have. Because I am a carer and while Ryan works as many hours as we can, we have a lot of spends for Max and it is really hard to put money aside.

If the goals are met, Fantastic Max could be published this year.

Proud parents Jasmin and Ryan moved to Congleton half-a-decade ago from Biddulph, and love the friendliness and community spirit of our town. Max was born here.

Dad Ryan, who works in a supermarket in West Heath, is proud of both Jasmin and Max, and is also grateful to anyone who donates.

"I just want to say thanks to anyone who has donated", he added.

"I saw how much joy this brought to Jasmin when she realised this can become a published thing."

Max's Headteacher is Lorraine Warmer of Macclesfield's Park Lane Special School.

She has her fingers crossed for the crowdfunder.

"Books that are positive for and about children with disabilities are much needed," she said.

"Park Lane Special School wishes Jasmin success in getting her book published. We look forward to having a copy in our school library so pupils can enjoy it."

Congleton: You can donate to the Fantastic Max appeal here.

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