Nine year old Prestonian Ahaan's first book raises funds for the NHS

Ahaan Ram first demonstrated his talent for writing when he was shortlisted in a BBC competition which had attracted 125,000 entries.

After her son explained he had written a longer story too, proud mother Abhi Kodanda, set him a lockdown task. She said: "I asked him how about you create a little book for your birthday? He wrote a poem and four stories. For his age he has done a great job. He put in all that effort.."

Talented Ahaan, who attends Ashbridge School, also did the illustrations himself and Abhi said: "He came up with the idea how about we do some donation for the NHS?"

The result is 'Ahaan’s First Book of Stories' which was published on his ninth birthday.

The family created a JustGiving page. On it Ahaan wrote: "During these challenging times, we all have to stay strong and defeat the Corona Virus monster. I thank the NHS Heroes and all the key workers ... I would like to raise funds for the great heroes of the NHS, who are at this moment fighting the Covid 19 Pandemic."

Abhi said: "Ahaan has worked really hard over the last two weeks. In just three days he has managed to raise £1800 and received fantastic feedback for his book as well as his motive behind it. He has not just turned nine but also turned into an amateur author."

Ahaan said: "I feel so proud of myself and very overwhelmed."

Abhi, manager of the city's Gujarat Hindu Society Centre and a renowned teacher of Indian classical dance, said: "There's no cost for the book. It's available for everybody. I've put it up on Facebook and Instagram with a JustGiving page link .. .if they would like to donate they can do so."

Abhi's husband Dr Praful Ram is a GP at the Briarwood Medical Centre on Blackpool Road, Ashton. Their youngest son Reyansh has also enjoyed Ahaan's stories. The book was designed by family friend Samit Nayi.

Ahaan, who is also learning piano, is following in family footsteps. Abhi's father is a poet, writing in the South Asian language Telugu and Abhi has a Masters degree in English Literature. She said: "We have literature, art, music and dance in the family."

The book is now available online and when copies are printed they will be sent to donors.

The JustGiving page is at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ahaan-ram

You can read the book here.