Maidenhead author publishes memoir on the heartbreak of losing a child

An author from Maidenhead released her memoir this week which describes her heartbreak of losing a child.

The Future is Rosie tells the devastating story of Carolyn Mayling, whose 11-year-old daughter, Rosie, died from an autoimmune disease in 2003.

Rosie’s tragic death compelled Carolyn to set up Rosie’s Rainbow Fund in her memory, honouring her daughter’s wish to raise money for other children going through lengthy hospital stays.

Carolyn told the Advertiser: “When I went through it there wasn’t much out there to help parents in that situation so I really hope my book can bring that to anyone going through any sort of trauma today.”

Carolyn was married with two daughters and teaching at Redroofs School for the Performing Arts, which she co-directs today, when her daughter Rosie was diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare illness affecting the blood vessels.

The 11-year-old spent several months undergoing hospital visits and operations.

Meanwhile, Carolyn and her family struggled with a lack of support for parents in their situation.

Rosie was discharged from hospital at the end of April 2003 but six days later suffered a fatal pulmonary haemorrhage and died on May 14 of that year.

The Future is Rosie describes how the youngster’s charity has gone on to raise more than £2 million, bringing music therapy to thousands of sick children and care for parents with hospitalised children.

It also details how, in her grief, Carolyn turned to spirituality, feeling that Rosie was sending her messages and guiding her.

After receiving predictions of having another child, Carolyn and her husband embarked upon a gruelling five-year programme of fertility treatment.

Carolyn describes in intimate detail all the procedures, medication and disappointment that she experienced.

Finally, at 54 years of age, and with a donor egg, Carolyn gave birth to her son Dominic through IVF in 2008.

Carolyn has faced further hurdles since, including a painful divorce and being diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing a mastectomy in 2016.

She chronicles the harrowing regime of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as the inspiring medical staff and patients who helped her through.

Carolyn now hopes that her moving debut memoir will reassure and inspire others facing
immeasurable grief and trauma.

Buy the book from Waterstones, Amazon and retailers.