A Colchester author has immortalised the stories of an extraordinary nine-year-old in a series of poetry books.
Nicola Newell has published the second book in a series about Erin Sadler, a young girl from Colchester, who inspired many with her love for life.
In 2023, she published Erin’s Little Ladybug, telling the true story of how Erin convinced her mum and grandad that she swallowed a toy ladybug.
Nicola said: “I became quite close to Erin's mum Helen and we decided that I could take all of Erin’s stories, adventures and journeys that she’d been on and turn them into stories.”
Erindale, the title of the latest book, was named after a Guinea pig village at the Wellies-On community farm in Mersea Road, Abberton, which young Erin adored.
Nicola added: “I came across Erin’s page back in 2020 when lockdown first happened, and I followed her journey.
“I got to meet her and felt absolutely starstruck by this girl because she was going through so much and yet she was the happiest little girl I’ve ever seen.
“It made me re-evaluate my whole life. Struggling with health conditions myself, it made me feel grateful and happy to be alive.
“She’s brought me back to live again because she was such an amazing little girl.”
Erindale is illustrated by art student Winter Swan, who studies at Colchester Institute, as Nicole wanted to give an upcoming artist a chance to show their work.
Nicola and Helen are planning to publish more books about Erin’s life, aiming to release them once a year.
Nicola said: “I’m happy when I’m writing about her, and I want to spread her joy. I just think everyone needs to know this little girl and how incredible she was.”
Erin sadly died in December 2022 after her lifelong battle with blood, kidney, liver and heart disease.
Her life was celebrated during a beautiful ceremony, attended by more than 100 people and her favourite Guinea pigs in January 2023.
Nicola said: “Erin’s friends attended her celebration of life. They’ve been absolutely incredible through this despite having lost their friend so young.”
Erin’s Little Ladybug and Erindale are available on Amazon and all proceeds will go to the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.
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