Ex-alcoholic writes first book

WARRINGTON man Stephen Gerard-Hayden has written his first book at 47 – an exciting story for young people which shows the results and pitfalls of a deprived and loveless childhood.
“Cobblestone Kids” (£7.99 from www.barrattministries.org.uk) tells the story of Tommy, an 11-year-old who has to learn about life the hard way.
His adventures and escapades in reform school are sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad and not infrequently exciting.
Running through the story is the heartfelt cry of a young man trying to cope with life in a society that has lost its morals.
Stephen Gerard-Hayden, from Bewsey, has overcome many obstacles in his own colourful life.
He became an alcoholic after bogus business associates destroyed his business, costing him potentially millions of pounds. He was in and out of psychiatric hospitals, drying out, for many years. But after seeing a minister and saying a simple prayer he was completely freed from his addiction and has stayed clean ever since.
Stephen ran a roofing business in Warrington for many years but is now semi-retired after being injured in a fall.
He is now working on a sequel to “Cobblestone Kids” which continues the story of Tommy and his reform school friends.