Former lawyer’s novel to help aid lonely in Harrogate

A RETIRED lawyer is to donate the proceeds of his first novel to a church after being “blown away” by the work it does with lonely members of its community.
Former lawyer turned author, Nigel McClea is donating the proceeds of his new book 'A Word Glittering with Spikes' to Harrogate's St Peter's Church. Pictured with Rev Tony Shepherd.

Picture: Jonathan GawthorpeFormer lawyer turned author, Nigel McClea is donating the proceeds of his new book 'A Word Glittering with Spikes' to Harrogate's St Peter's Church. Pictured with Rev Tony Shepherd.

Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Former lawyer turned author, Nigel McClea is donating the proceeds of his new book 'A Word Glittering with Spikes' to Harrogate's St Peter's Church. Pictured with Rev Tony Shepherd. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Nigel McClea, a former head of Leeds law firm Pinsent Masons, recently moved to Harrogate when he joined the congregation at St Peter’s Church.

Alongside his wife Eleanor, he developed “enormous admiration” for the dedicated work the church carries out with the homeless, needy and lonely in the area and pledged 100 per cent of proceeds of his debut self-published novel, A Word Glittering with Spikes, to help them continue their work.

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Shortly after he joined the church, the congregation expanded to include a new area, and Mr and Mrs McClea were able to see first-hand the people the church’s work could benefit.

Mr McClea said: “We were delivering leaflets in the Coldbath Road area and were struck by how many older people there were living on their own. At some homes, we were the first people they had seen or spoken to in weeks.

“Loneliness is a real curse, and the church has been stellar in its work to help alleviate it.”

A Word Glittering with Spikes is available for £10 from YPD Books on 01904 431213 or www.ypdbooks.com. Mr McClea will also be signing copies of the book at St Peter’s Christmas fair, which takes place next Saturday, November 22 from 10am.

The Yorkshire Post is campaigning to ensure loneliness is seen as a health priority in our communities. Visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/loneliness for more.