St Albans man releases book for Nepalese charity (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Michael Crawshaw from St Albans releases book for Nepalese charity

1:30pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A former banker from St Albans who decided to leave the city life to become an author has released a book to raise money for a school in Nepal.

After working as a banker in London for 17 years, Michael Crawshaw decided a fresh career move was the best option and followed his dream of writing.

Mr Crawshaw, of Woodstock Road has now penned his first novel, To Make A Killing which is now on the shelves of Waterstones in St Peters Street.

All proceeds from his book will go to Hands Together, a charity backed by actress Joanna Lumley, which aims to improve education and schooling in Tiplyang, Nepal.

The 49-year-old said: "I visited Nepal in October, which was amazing and I really enjoyed my time out there. Nepal is idyllic but the schools are empty and lack basic equipment.

"I am hoping to go out there next year and teach the children English." The charity is dedicated to building schools, providing basic equipment, school meals, school uniform, healthcare and training members of staff.

Mr Crawshaw decided to offer his help to the Tiplyang Project, after meeting co-founder Anne Rose at St Albans and Stephen Church in St Albans, and is now the charity treasurer.

To Make A Killing is a thriller and explores the murder mystery behind a trader who worked his way up from post-room to boardroom.

Mr Crawshaw says his experiences in the city as a stock broker himself helped him when penning the novel.

The father of five said: "The book is quite a giggle and a bit of fun. I lived the city life for a long time so I felt I could write a book based on some of my experiences.

"This is my first book to be good enough to be published and it is nice to see a stand for my book in our local Waterstones.

"My children are impressed but might be growing quite sick of it now because every time someone comes to our door at home, me and my wife pass them a copy."

The author added modestly he was "quite surprised" his book had already sold 1,000 copies.

Mr Crawshaw launched his book at an event in  Spreadex, St Albans on Tuesday, where his daughters, Isabella and Alice sold To Make a Killing.

To buy a copy of the book visit www.tomakeakilling.com