Local entrepreneur Lizzie McLafferty has recently dived into the world of becoming an author by writing her very own children’s book. Another string to her bow, as she already owns her own extremely successful and well known photography business.
The book, Bear and the Brave Pyjamas, tells a story about a bear who goes to hospital with his mum. A nurse notices he’s nervous and gives him a set of brave pyjamas which helps him to feel more comfortable on the ward. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the story is suitable for little ones.
The idea of writing her own book arose after her daughter was admitted to Ward 25 at Kings Mill Hospital with a blood disorder called ITP on Mother’s Day 2025. ITP is a condition where the body fights the red blood cells, preventing the blood from clotting. After this horrendous life event, Lizzie was then encouraged to start her own Charity, to support the needs of Ward 25 and the patients there.
Lizzie said:
“One particularly hard day on the ward, my daughter was distressed during a procedure, and her pyjamas became saturated in sweat. A nurse on the ward gave us a fresh pair, and she was instantly calmer, settled faster and slept. All felt a little lighter in that moment.
Once discharged we wanted to pay the kindness forward, and donated £100 worth of pyjamas to the ward as a thank you, the ward was so grateful! I had members of staff reaching out to say how much of a difference it had made. I asked the hospital if I could do a large appeal for them, they agreed and I decided to use my platform to fundraise – we’ve not stopped since. Although the experience of having a poorly child was horrendous, the quality of care and support we received was outstanding!”
In addition to the book, the charity has hosted their first annual fundraiser, a pyjama party along with two tombolas, one at the hospital and one here at Mansfield Innovation Centre | Innovative Workspace. In October they are hosting their second annual fundraiser, a spooky disco with dress code of pyjamas or Halloween costumes.
Each book sold gives Little Dreambug Charity, money to go and buy pyjamas and underwear that are donated to Ward 25 at Kings Mill Hospital. The ward supports children from birth up to and including 16 years of age, so demand for items of all sizes is catered for. It’s a perfect bedtime story which supports a great cause and can be purchased from https://amzn.eu/d/0aVJoKNl