In 2020 I founded Fly Me Stories to send personalised stories to seriously unwell children around the UK as a form of comfort and distraction. Through the power of stories, the recipients are transported to faraway magical places, away from their hospital beds. Participants in the project include Great Ormond Street and Swansea Bay Health Board.

The idea sparked whilst in hospital with my eldest daughter, who had pneumonia. I told her stories as a distraction and when we left the hospital, the Fly Me Story idea stuck with me. In 2020, when Covid meant that hospitals could not provide the usual play activities and books, I made Fly Me Stories into a reality and now the stories travel all around the UK to cheer up seriously unwell children.  

Researchers have found that the brain does not make much of a distinction between reading about an experience and encountering it in real life. This means that a child in hospital, hospice or at home who is unable to leave their bed, can feel like they are really flying away on a magical adventure. The stories are empowering as the recipient becomes the hero, helping characters to solve problems. The stories are personalised too, so that the child feels extra special. 

A team of wonderful volunteers help to run the Fly Me Stories social enterprise.


How it works? 
Please visit www.flymestories.com for further information and for a selection of stories that children can choose from. Parents email their child's name to Fly Me Stories [email protected] and a personalised story will be sent back to them. The magical stories appeal to both boys and girls.

Please visit Little Dragon Stories if you would like a personalised memory story. www.littledragonstories.com

Reviews

Mindfulness can be a hard concept for young children to comprehend, using a picture book such as Whispa and the Waves is a great resource. The teaching resources linked to the book link closely to the techniques already taught in schools which again really helped. We now have the book in our mindfulness area accompanied by a basket of shells and starfish, children as young as 4 years old are independently using Whispa's techniques when they need to calm down." Catrin Parton, Reception Teacher, Swansea

"I can't sing like Whispa the mermaid but I can breathe like her to help me be calm," Reception pupil, Swansea

"Through tear filled eyes. This is the most significant and important children's book that I've ever read. I'll treasure these words for a long time. What a beautiful gift to be able to give a child. Every child should have access to this book. What a truly gorgeous read." Jemma Buntin. 

"Knowing the context and inspiration for this book, it is both heart-breaking, soul-taking but ultimately a force of positivity. Ffion Jones specialises in writing books to help children work through difficult life issues, including the challenging subject of child bereavement. But should challenging issues, especially where children are concerned, be hidden away in a dark and unspoken place? Never! Stories must be told and inspirational lives must be held up high, for all to see." Dale Neal.

"This is a beautifully written book that deals with sensitive issues and emotions in a supportive and gentle way that will help families and children cope with the loss of a loved one. The illustrations are stunning and can be used to generate conversations within families and help children to explore their feelings and emotions. We are very fortunate to have this book in our school to help pupils who are dealing with illness or loss within their family. We are using it during Thrive and Elsa sessions and will read a little at a time, allowing the child time to talk about what is happening and how they feel. It has supported children in our school to talk about their own experiences and help them to understand that it's ok to feel a range of emotions. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough and feel that every school should have it to support those children who may are dealing with illness and grief within the family." Jenny Caddy.

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