Hemel Hempstead man pens debut novel after turning to writing to distract from Long Covid misery

A Hemel Hempstead man has published his debut novel after turning to writing as a way of coping with Long Covid.

William MacDonald did not expect to write a full book after taking to his childhood love of writing to distract him from chronic pain.

The Hemel resident has suffered from the condition for nearly three years after he contracted the virus in January 2021.

He was forced to take long-term sickness leave from his job as a senior carer, due to debilitating symptoms such as chest pain, lethargy, brain fog and pain radiating down the left side of his body.

The ordeal has impacted the carer’s mental health, which he manages through counselling, a support group and through his passion for writing.

He said: “I always enjoyed writing when I was at school – I’ve tried to write stuff before but life got in the way so I never had the time to just sit and write. This time I started writing as an escape from pain and to help with my depression. I never expected to write a full book.”

Despite the title ‘The FA Cup,’ William says his debut novel isn’t just about football.

He added: “It covers all different walks of life, experiences and life choices, from bereavement, friendship, relationships, trust, sexuality and those with special educational needs. The message is that football is for everyone and, in my story, you have some unique characters from the drag queen footballer to the wrestling footballer.”

The book is available online from Waterstones and Amazon.