Aspiring authors and poets across Waltham Forest have work published in book in aid of Diabetes UK

The Write-2-A-Life poetry and storytelling competition saw students across the borough compete to be crowned winners.

Run by Forest Radio, the competition for 12 to 17-year-olds, aims to offer youngster the chance to ‘create something memorable for self and charity’.

Ruby Monaghan of Mansel Grove, Walthamstow wrote a diary excerpt based on the life of a six-year-old boy during the First World War.

The 12-year-old who is in Year 8 in Walthamstow School for Girls said: “I decided to write about his dad going to war and how one day he wanted to be a soldier also.

“He wanted his dad to come home because he missed him but he died.

“I think it’s quite emotional at the end when he says he doesn’t want to be a soldier any more after his dad died.

Hefza Muzamil accepts her certificate from Mayor Yemi Osho.

“When my story was picked I was so happy and my teacher and friends were really proud of me. I read a lot of books and I love seeing other people’s points of view.”

Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Yemi Osho presented the winners with certificates at a ceremony at the Town Hall earlier this month.

Proceeds from the book, Young Voices of Waltham Forest, will go to Cllr Osho’s chosen charity, the local branch of Diabetes UK.

Hefza Muzamil’s story based on her experience of being bullied caught the eyes of the judges.

The 15-year-old who is in Year 10 at Kelmscott School in Walthamstow said her aim was to “motivate young people who are feeling down” and urge them not to give up on their dreams.

“Teenagers get put down a lot and I believe it’s important to let them know they are worthy and they do matter,” she said.

“I was bullied and I have experience with people trying to put me down and I’ve seen others go through the same thing.

“Writing the story was important for me because I’m coming to the realisation that it happened and I’m letting it go. I believe it’s important because moving on is part of life.

“I believe everything happens for a reason and whatever you learn you should pass on – that’s my motto.”

Wayne Walton of Forest Radio praised the talented youngsters who were crowned Waltham Forest Celebrated Young Writers of 2018.

He said: "The Write-2-A-Life initiative is unique, as it means that as long as people buy the book all the profits will automatically go directly to local diabetes services to help people with the condition."

To buy a copy of the book click here.