A Doncaster author is harnessing the power of storytelling this Christmas to support a vital cause, promoting one of his children's books to raise crucial funds for a bereavement charity.
Turning Personal Loss into a Force for Good
Ric Hart, an author from Doncaster, is dedicating this Christmas to promoting his children's book to benefit the Children's Bereavement Centre (CBC) in Newark. This continues his remarkable fundraising efforts for the charity, to which he has been donating proceeds from his Christmas children's book since 2021, raising thousands of pounds over the years.
The author's commitment to supporting grieving children stems from profound personal experience. Ric was widowed 7.5 years ago when he lost his wife, Jade, just hours after the birth of their son. Since that tragic event in 2018, he has navigated life as a solo parent to their son, Hugo.
"I've smashed life after loss through extreme hard work and navigating through life amid major tragedy and trauma," Ric explained. He emphasised the immense decision-making required in recent years, but also highlighted "so much hope and growth along the way, inspiring young children through loss, alongside supporting others going through something similar."
A Growing Legacy of Support and Healing
Ric has channelled his experience into creative outlets that serve both his healing process and the wider community. To date, he has published five children's books and two adult books, all created to help others navigating grief and adversity.
This Christmas, he is promoting Hugo and Daddy's Christmas Adventures, his fourth children's book, for the second consecutive year. The 2025 Christmas edition follows Hugo's magical journey with Santa on Christmas Eve as they head to the North Pole, inspired by the bedtime stories Ric reads to his son.
Beyond his writing, Ric has expanded his outreach through his podcast, Real with Ric, which launched in summer 2023. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, the podcast will see its second series released in early 2026. Series two will share the wisdom and knowledge he has gained through his journey, offering support to others facing life changes or adversity.
Creating Lasting Memories and Building Community
Ric's fundraising efforts will take him to Lapland later this year, where he plans to promote the Christmas book in what he describes as the perfect setting. "I had a vision and this year I'm going to execute it, creating more beautiful memories," he said.
The author has also created a YouTube channel called Hugo and Daddy's Real Life Adventures, documenting their experiences together as a video hub for Hugo to look back on when he's older.
Recognising that Christmas can be particularly challenging for those experiencing loss, Ric offered this advice: "Christmas can be a very lonely time for so many, but reaching out, sharing your feelings with someone, or just talking really helps. My podcast is my platform and legacy, and has helped me, and also become my therapy hub."
He added a poignant reminder: "If you have a partner and family this Christmas, be very grateful, as life can be taken away just like that."
To further support the charity, Ric is planning book signings at local bookstores toward the end of the year, alongside additional promotion to maximise donations for the Children's Bereavement Centre.
Hugo and Daddy's Christmas Adventures is currently available in paperback at Waterstones and through Amazon.
