On Friday 10 March, United fan Peter Scholes released his fourth novel – One Last Waltz.
Like the two before this one, the story is set in and around Carlisle and Cumbria.
Set in a fictional old folk’s home on the edge of Brampton, the book follows the lives of the staff and residents as they go about their daily business of staying alive and well as long as they possibly can.
Rather than fear the end, the characters have a lust for life and want to do all the can to make the most of, and celebrate, the time they have left.
Peter, an avid United fan and season ticket holder of over forty years, was keen to somehow include the club as part of the story. What better way than to include one of the characters as a club mascot.
Peter told us, “In the story, old Ralph and Stan are big fans of the blues. It has always been their dream to play for the club and, in one chapter, Ralph asks if it is possible to turn out as the mascot on matchday. Never before has an octogenarian let the team out onto the hallowed turf and the club do all they can to make fantasy a reality.”
A number of club staff were happy to be included as characters, including club secretary, Sarah McKnight and Amy Nixon from the media team. Even the manager, the chairman and some of the players make cameo appearances!
“I couldn’t write a book about the community and leave the most important part out!” Peter said. “The club means so much to so many – including hundreds who are no longer fit or able to attend the games. This is for them.”
Through sales of the book, Peter is raising money for a very worthy charity – The Alzheimer’s Society – who receive 20% of any royalties earned. “I approached the charity with the idea of donating a portion of the royalties to them, and they have been brilliant in their support and help.
"I hope the book helps support individuals and families who have had to deal with this debilitating and destructive disease. I wanted to highlight just how important life is and how important it is to make the most of the people we love and to make the most of the time they are with us.”
One Last Waltz is available on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle - and will also be available in the Blues Store ... we'll update you as soon as it is on sale and available.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.
Competition:
In support of the #10for10 promotion for the Tranmere home match, Peter would like to offer up two signed copies of the book.
The winners will also receive an adult and child ticket for the match (ticket stubs can be used as bookmarks after the game!)
To enter the competition send your answer to the following question to media@carlisleunited.co.uk and you will be entered into our prize draw.
Closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 5 April.
Question: Who are Carlisle United's opponents in the game where old Ralph run's out as mascot?