Thatcham father publishes book of verse – with a little help from a poet laureate

David Sollis, aged 45, enlisted the help of Louisiana’s Poet Laureate Julie Kane and British poet Wendy Cope for All Said & Done, which is being sold in aid of the National Autistic Society.
His 14-year-old son, Sion, has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism, and in the past, Mr Sollis has raised money by running marathons.
However, he said that he wanted to do something a bit different in the charity’s 50th anniversary year.
He started compiling the book six months ago and wrote the dedication poem. All Said & Done includes 80 poems by 37 contributors, exploring the main areas of difficulty experienced by people with autism.
Some are written by established poets, others came from amateurs who entered a competition run by the National Autistic Society.
Mr Sollis said that he hoped the book would both educate people as well as entertain them, and that as some poems were written by people with autism, readers would see the similarities between their experiences and those living with the condition.
He said: “I hope the poems will make people smile, laugh and, for just a few moments, see life through the eyes of someone with autism, helping to promote greater understanding and empathy for others like my son.”
The charity’s director of fundraising and marketing, Alastair Graham, said: “David has contributed so much to the society over the years, so we’re delighted he’s produced this moving and often funny collection of poems. People like David ensure that we’re able to continue providing support and services to children and adults with autism, helping them lead the lives they choose.”
All Said & Done is available from Amazon.co.uk, priced £7.64.