A Teesside based children’s author is using her own experiences of dyslexia to help children all over the world follow their dreams, overcome obstacles and succeed in life.
Christine Fox (53) from Middlesbrough, is the founder of The Sunflower Dreams Academy which helps children to believe in themselves, provides a safe environment in which to encourage the development of ideas, aspirations and hopes and helps them to successfiully face any challenges head on.
Indeed Christine has already beaten two major challenges in her life. Firstly, she was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age 48 resulting in poor literacy and mathematical skills which gave her a distinct disadvantage compared to her peers. Secondly, in 2010 she was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after being involved in a major road traffic accident.
“I’ve learnt in life that you have to be positive and always believe in yourself no matter what people tell you. Everyone has the ability to do whatever they want if they really want to. My struggle against dyslexia and PTSD has been tough and if I can do it, others can too. ”
True to form, Christine has once again defied all the odds by writing her first children’s book, “Frickel and the Golden Locket.” The book tells the story of a frog called Frickel who is based on Christine’s childhood imaginary friend.
“At school, because of my dyslexia, I couldn’t easily put pen to paper and express my thoughts, fears or ambitions so I invented Frickel to help me get through any diffciult times.”
The book is beautifully illustrated by designer Jenn Garside and is backed up by a series of educational workshops which are aimed at children aged five to 10 years old. Each book has blank spaces so that the children can express themselves and encourage their imagination and creativity.
Christine has recently worked with schools in the North East and held discussions with senior staff at Muscat International School in Oman about the potential of bringing sunflower dreams academy to the school
“This is one of a number of schools internationally who are keen to.work with us. The message however is the same no matter where you are. My aim is to positively impact the lives of one million children worldwide by 2020 and it all starts here,” said Christine.
Christine is looking to licence the workshops all across the world and as the brand develops, her influence will create major opportunities for children to express themselves.
“The workshops are all about self belief, resilience and empowering children to free their minds and do what at one time would be considered impossible,” she said.
ENDS
Photo shows: Christine in Oman
Media Contacts: Keith Newman Highlights PR 07814 397951
Interviews etc. available – please contact Keith