A TONGUE twister author has donated the proceeds from his first book signing to Parkinson’s UK – after learning of the benefits for those living with the condition.
David Rigg, 77, a resident at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, in Saltburn, chose to donate all proceeds from sales of his book Gobbledygook following the event at Holly Blue Cards and Gifts, on Milton Street.
The self-published book features David’s original tongue twister stories and grew out of a long-running project at the care home.
Having raised £120, David decided to support Parkinson’s UK because of connections between tongue twisters and speech exercises used by people living with the debilitating condition.
He said: “It was wonderful that so many people attended and we were able to raise money for Parkinson’s UK.
“I have started to write my second book, which is going to be called More Gobbledygook, and after the book signing I feel inspired that people love reading tongue twister stories. One person even took six signed copies.”
Among those attending the event was Professor Alan Dunn, who wrote the foreword to Gobbledygook. He said: “What a pleasure to meet David and chat about his tongue twisters. My favourite new one is the one about wellies.
“I’m looking forward to volume two already. His book signing was a great chance for people to think about tongue twisters and even the town crier joined in to celebrate this brilliant achievement.
“It’s real proof that you can still be inventive and imaginative at the young age of 77.”
Sharon Wilson, Saltburn’s town crier, wrote and performed a special tongue twister for the occasion. Fellow guests also included Conner McGovern, marketing and brand manager at the Hill Care Group, which operates Hazelgrove Court Care Home.
David’s wife, Ann, helped ensure those unable to attend could still receive signed copies by collecting books on their behalf.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, worked closely with David on publishing his book and helped organise the book signing.
She said: “When we first started exploring tongue twisters as part of our activities programme, none of us imagined it would lead to David becoming a published author.
“Seeing him not only write his first book but also raise money for Parkinson’s UK has been wonderful. We chose the charity together because singing tongue twisters helps with speech for people who suffer with Parkinson’s.
“I attend the Parkinson’s Choir run by Paula Odell and we sing tongue twisters there, so it seemed the best charity to choose. I have been taking residents to the choir for more than eight years, including people living with Parkinson’s and dementia.
“The book signing was a fantastic celebration of David’s creativity and it is inspiring to see him already working on his second book.”
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