The Hippotigerdile
A story for Jai, by Dennis Killacky
Available in paperback from the JTSMA
Only £3.99, all proceeds to the JTSMA.
Have you seen the
Hippotigerdile?
(Monstrum Hippotigerdilum)
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| Artist's Impression |
Last heard of in the 1980's on the Isle of Wight.
Now reported sightings in Stratford upon Avon, Southampton, Winchester, Christchurch and Enfield
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| Neil Caple | "As a parent who regularly does the bedtime story shift, The Dreaded Hippotigerdile is simply the best children's book that I have had the pleasure to read this year. The characters are vivid and come jumping, slithering, bounding and laughing off the page. The children and I were completely snaffled."
"Please can we have some more tales of Oliver and his friends" ... Neil Caple (better known as Marty in Brookside)
"I am delighted to support the work of JTSMA. Just by buying this little book you will bring happiness and support to many children and their parents. Thank You!" ... Fern Britton
"Children and adults alike will enjoy stepping into this world where animals can talk, and the wicked get their just deserts. It has all the ingredients to be a classic." ... Debbie Thrower
The story of the book
By Carol Worwood, Jai's mother
When my son, Jai, was a few months old, he was diagnosed as having Spinal Muscular Atrophy. I had become a single parent when he was only six weeks old and my father was a very important part of his life. Circumstances led me to move to the Isle of Wight, which meant that he and Jai were separated and it was at this point that Dad, wishing to keep in touch on a regular basis, hit upon the idea of telling him a story by weekly letter.
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| Jai, 6th September 1977 - 6th May 1986 |
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| Jai's Grandfather, Dennis Killacky, signing his book |
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| Dennis and Carol | That first story became known as "The Dreaded Hippotigerdile" and was about a boy named O.K. Maynard, who could almost have been Jai in an able-bodied form. Two more stories followed: The "Great Animal Ramble" and "Fifi Returns to France". Sadly, Jai died before the last story was finished. Somehow, at a later date, Dad found the strength to complete it, as he said: "For old times" sake and as a way of saying "goodbye".
As Dad was approaching his 80th birthday, I thought it would be nice to publish his first story as a special present. I still had the letters up in the attic, along with a lot of precious memorabilia connected with Jai. I felt that with this publication I could also offer the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (JTSMA) some financial support to help other children like Jai. To this end, we have given 250 copies of the book to the JTSMA for them to raise approximately £1,000. If we can sell the other 250 ourselves, we can then publish the second story and similarly onto the third book. The Jennifer Trust hopefully raising £3,000 in all.
Carol Worwood
Anita Macaulay
Chief Executive, JTSMA
When I was asked to write a few words about The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, I thought to myself, "What is the Trust all about?" I believe it is about "help for today and hope for tomorrow"- we give support, care and friendship to all who face a life touched by Spinal Muscular Atrophy and we fund research in the hope of answers tomorrow.
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| Carol Worwood and Anita Macaulay | Too many children, like Jai, have had their life cut tragically short by this devastating condition. It is vital that we help our families to cope with the life that an SMA diagnosis brings but also that we commit ourselves to finding answers in research so that, in the future, children like Jai and hundreds of other little ones will no longer suffer.
SMA is a neuromuscular genetic disorder affecting young children. 1 in 40 of us are carriers of the gene that causes SMA. Many of our children do not outlive their childhood, others are severely disabled and unable to walk. They do, however, have a good quality of life, are bright and happy and really know how to enjoy themselves, albeit perhaps in different ways to you and me!
There have been so many challenges, wonderful events and developments since the Trust was founded in 1985. Outstanding amongst these must be: when scientists first found the location of the gene that causes SMA; when we first established a UK-wide Volunteer Network of Parents all offering support and care to others in similar situations, facing the diagnosis of their child with SMA; and also events such as when we hosted the International Alliance for SMA World Workshop in July 2001.
Our links across the world and especially with our sister group, Families of SMA in America, are so important. It is from these contacts and this collaboration that we know we are always up-to-date with the latest developments in terms of care, the types of support that can been given and the latest in research news.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Anita Macaulay
Chief Executive, JTSMA
Can you help?
Can you help us to sell copies of "The Dreaded Hippotigerdile" and raise valuable funds for the JTSMA? The JTSMA has 250 copies to sell, and this gives us the potential to raise £1,000!
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| The Dreaded Hippotigerdile | This delightful story is available as a 70-page paperback, and will be a fantastic addition to a child's bookshelf, priced at only £3.99.
Could you sell 5, or even 10, copies to your friends and family?
If you can, please fill in our message form with your details and the number of copies of the books you would like us to send you. Or call me at the JTSMA office on 01789 267 520.
Your help is greatly appreciated.
Yours sincerely
Mike McDonagh
Fundraising Manager
Click here to buy the book! |
