A WREXHAM couple have published their first book together with all profits made going to a children's hospital.

Simon O'Rourke, from Cefn Mawr, has garnered attention for his sculpting talents over the years.

From the epic dragon located in Bethesda, Gwynedd to the carving of Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool character which just recently made its way around Wrexham on tour.

In February 2019, Simon was commissioned as one of 18 artists worldwide who designed promotion pieces for the final season of the hugely-popular Game of Thrones series.

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PIC: Simon O'Rourke with his 'Draig Dderw' in Bethesda.

However, his latest project has seen him take a break from the chopping block and instead take to paper, working alongside wife Liz to put together a children's book entitled 'Fudge's Evening Adventure'.

The pair, who have been married for over 20 years, first met when they were students at Glyndwr University in Wrexham.

The inspiration for the book came from the Honeyborne family, Matt and Rachel - whose daughter, Olivia, had a hole in her heart and was treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool.

Written by Liz and illustrated by Simon, the book tells the tale of the Honeyborne's miniature dachshund, Fudge, and the animals she encounters on and around the family farm.

All profits from the book will go to the Alder Hey Children’s Charity, in appreciation of the care Olivia received there.

Liz said: "I have always loved writing and had a real passion for it. I studied English language at University and I actually have another children's book in the pipeline.

"When we heard of the Honeyborne family's story we wanted to do something cool and the book is the result of that. We wanted to do something which would feel like a dream come true for all of us involved in this and I think we've achieved that.

"Simon and I first met at Glyndwr, where he was studying illustration and I was doing English. This is our first collaborative effort together and it's been really good. When the opportunity arose to do this, we jumped at the chance."

Over 400 copies of the book have been sold and plenty of children at Alder Hey will also be receiving a copy of it in their Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve.

Liz added: "That really will be a heartwarming end to this story. We have sold over 400 copies of the book at £6 each and we will be counting up how much we have raised in total soon."

A sculpture trail to accompany the story has also been designed by Simon and will be located in Picton near Chester once it is complete around Spring time next year.

Simon said: "A massive thank you to everyone who has bought Fudge's Evening Adventure so far. The last day to order to get one in time for Christmas has gone, but you can still buy at any time from the website.

"Liz and I have written and illustrated this children's book with a carved story trail to boot, and the book is being printed as we speak. It's going to be ready to gift to the children at the hospital for Christmas eve, but we are hoping to boost sales."

To grab a copy of 'Fudge's Evening Adventure' (£6) and help raise vital funds for Alder Hey at the same time, visit: www.fudgeseveningadventure.com/