MUM’S BUTCHER BOOK TRIBUTE
NO PARENT should outlive their child, but the mother of tragic former Notts County and Peterborough midfielder Richard Butcher says writing a book about his football adventures helped channel her suffering.
Gail Butcher’s life was turned upside down when her son died suddenly aged just 29, the Macclesfield Town favourite found dead at his home after suffering a heart-attack as he slept.
But as Gail continued to grieve, she put her energy into a project that allowed her to recall their cherished moments together.
It’s also raising money for a football facility in his honour.
Butch – the Wings of Football is a touching tribute to her son, who also served Oldham, Lincoln City and Kettering Town. Many of his former team-mates and managers have also contributed.
Gail said: “It’s been the most frightening thing I have ever done. I’m not an author, I’m not in publishing. I am just a mum who wants to make sure her son is properly remembered.
“It was a very emotional experience writing everything down, all the times we shared. I don’t think anything will ever bring closure to me, but it’s true what they say; putting pen to paper does help.
“This is about Richard from schoolboy to professional footballer. The ups, the downs, the laughs and the tears – it’s not just a book about football.”
You can order Butch – the
Wings of Football from Amazon in both Kindle form and in paperback.