Furloughed education worker pens bedtime story for charity

Hayley Godbehere, aged 26, is delivering copies of her children’s bedtime story ‘Flo the (Friendly!) Toe Monster’ around Sheffield in return for donations to the Children’s Hospital Charity in Sheffield.

Hayley of Ranby Road said: “While furloughed, I’ve been at a loose end. I live with my partner, a student nurse, and on the contrary he’s been rushed off his feet!

"I’ve been wanting to keep busy myself and do something to help those who need it the most. I haven’t written a bedtime story before, but I hope it’ll raise a few smiles this Christmas time along with some much-needed cash for the charity.”

Hayley started writing the book after being furloughed from Thornbridge Outdoors in the Peak District.

The story follows Flo a friendly monster who lives at the top of the world in the far, far north.

Hayley said: “Though she has a kind heart, Flo isn’t a looker and she has no toes. But she’s a mega fan of toes. In fact, Flo likes toes more than any of us. She helps the children in the north to keep their toes warm and safe from the cold. And she has some great advice for how you can keep your toes toasty warm, too.”

Hayley is hoping to raise as much money as possible for the Children’s Hospital Charity as part of its COVID-19 appeal to ensure the hospital and its staff have the best equipment and environment needed right now and once this crisis is over.

Speaking about the reaction to her debut bedtime story Hayley said: “It’s been amazing! I’ve had so much support from friends and family, telling me well done and ordering copies of the booklet.

"Local cafes have been lovely, offering to stock copies for people to pick up, and local businesses have put posters up in their windows.

"I’ve had a few anonymous donations now, one gave £50 and asked for ten copies of the booklet to be sent to the children at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

"It’s just such a great cause and it seemed fitting for my children’s bedtime story.”

Hayley will be delivering booklets around Sheffield postcodes during December and is happy to send booklets further afield in the post.

Sheffield residents can also pick up a copy of Flo the (Friendly!) Toe Monster at a number of local cafes from today leaving your donation in the collection tin. The booklets will be stocked at Gilmours Coffee on Greystones Road, the Rustlings Pantry on Rustlings Road, Endcliffe Park Cafe, and other locations nearby.

Speaking about future plans to continue her new found love of writing Hayley added: “We’ll see! I thought of myself as more of a reader than a writer, but this could be the new normal.”

To order a copy of Flo the (Friendly!) Toe Monster visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/flotoe and make a donation to the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity. The suggested donation is £5 but any amount is welcome, then, drop Hayley an email with your postal address.

Residents can also check the JustGiving link for updates on which cafes in the Sheffield area have the booklets in stock.