A woman from Monton has written a bestselling poetry book in memory of her late mother who died during lockdown.
After losing her mother, Rita, during the pandemic, Sophie Butler, a mum of three from Salford, has captured hearts and resonated deeply with readers through her poignant poetry collection, “Where Has She Gone?”
The book has rose to the top of the bestseller list for books on death for young adults – and has been a way of Sophie dealing with her own personal grief.
Monton poet began her writing journey in 2020 as her mother became ill and has been a reflection of that period in her life.
Sophie said: “I’m really thrilled my book is doing well. I never even imagined it would be published, let alone make it into the bestsellers list for death and loss for young adults.
The collection of poems documents Sophie’s journey through grief, capturing the raw experiences of losing a loved one during a pandemic.
Sophie added: “My main aim was to share my grief so that others who might feel the same don’t feel alone.”
“It’s a massive tribute to my Mam, who always encouraged me to write. She was my biggest supporter. I feel like we’ve written this together.”
The success of the poem will coincide with the fifth anniversary of the start of the pandemic, the government announced a UK-wide Day of Reflection will take place on Sunday 9 March 2025.
The day will be used to remember the pandemic and its impact on communities across the UK.
But for Sophie she will be reminded of her mum’s death, as she added: “It’ll be the 4th year anniversary of her passing on January 29 2025, which blows my mind. It terrifies me how big the gap is becoming between now and then.”
Through the difficult period, Sophie wrote a poem based on her mum’s funeral called ‘Thirty people’, a reference to number of people allowed to attend.
Through this she was able to use the poems to reflect on life during the pandemic, as she continued: “I’m still in disbelief and then I want to know, is that how other people feel or am I alone in this?
“So sharing my feelings has been quite good because I’ve been getting feedback from people, complete strangers who I don’t know, who have all said they felt the same.
“So then it feels like a bit of a weight off your shoulders, like, I’m quite normal.”
Throughout the book, Sophie admitted that she has been quite vulnerable and personal, but felt it it was necessary.
The heartfelt collection of poems has been used a testament to the power of words and the importance of sharing one’s journey through grief.
As she continued: “It’s sort of a way of just sharing my grief because I sometimes feel like it’s the elephant in the room and nobody talks about it openly.
“People are scared to mention how they feel, and I get really frustrated with that.”
The poetry book will be used as reminder of the pain, and loss – but has also become a bestseller due to its ability to connect with so many who had lost in the pandemic.
In addition to this, Sophie has actively engaged in fundraising efforts for Cancer Research, completing a series of challenges that include 10,000 steps in March and two marathon hikes.
Her dedication to honouring her mam’s memory raised an impressive £3,961, though the physical toll of her efforts led her to pause after contracting glandular fever.
The Salford poet, will also be hoping to raise more funds this pledged to support the Good Grief Charity, donating £1 from every poetry book sale in December.
“Where Has She Gone?” is now available for purchase on Amazon and Waterstones.
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