Former KR player writes new book to support injured rugby star Masoe
AUTHOR HOPES TO RAISE FUNDS TO HELP WITH MOSE’S RECOVERY
A FORMER Hull KR player turned author has penned his first novel, hoping to raise funds for injured rugby league star Mose Masoe.
Keith Pollard, 74, has written Save The Last Dance For Me, drawing on some of his real-life experiences, sprinkling it with anecdotes from the past and using artistic licence to craft his first work of fiction.
The first book in what will be a trilogy, is due to be published next month and Keith plans to direct the royalties to Mose, who suffered a life-changing spinal injury during a game in January 2020.
Keith said: “As an ex-professional rugby player of nearly 15 years, six years of those as a Rovers player, and as a local lad, I felt if I could help in any way, then I should do it.”
Keith’s first book, Red & White Phoenix, told of his upbringing in Hull’s Hessle Road, and playing for the Robins alongside some of the sport’s greatest players before an illustrious playing career in Australia.
Central to his autobiography, however, was the heart-breaking loss of his son, Jason, from a genetic disorder, antitrypsin deficiency at the age of 41.
That book has since sold more than 1,000 copies and raised £5,000 for the Alpha-1 UK Support Group UK, just under £500 for Mose Masoe and the same amount for Rob Burrow, another former professional rugby league player who is batting Motor Neurone Disease.
Keith said: “I was lucky I played in both the UK with a few clubs, and in Australia for six years, and I know what it is like being away from home.
“For Mose to be struck down by an injury that has finished his career and almost paralysed him, he needs all the help we can give him.”
Mose, 31, and his family are planning their return to Australia and fundraising by fans here and down under will help cover the costs of things such as transport, home adaptations, ongoing rehabilitation, care and support for the popular player.
“I began writing Save The Last Dance For Me two years ago, after I had started selling my first book,” said Keith.
The new book focuses on the complicated life journeys of twin brothers, born to a 16-year-old working class Hull girl, but separated and raised apart from each other in the UK and Australia.
“I ended up writing 360,000 words over a couple of years, so my first work of fiction has actually become a trilogy, it’s an adult family saga.
“The next two books, The Most Beautiful Girl and There Won’t Be Any More, will be released later on, the last book just before Christmas.
“They are all named after songs, the first book after a Drifters song and the other two after Charlie Rich songs” said Keith.
Save The Last Dance For me will be available worldwide in paperback and e-book, via bookshops and online. For people in Hull and surrounding areas, Keith offers signed and delivered copies.