New book dedicated to Bradford girl Aimee Wellock (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

New book dedicated to Bradford girl Aimee Wellock

4:27pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009 in

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A book, aimed at raising awareness of bullying and dedicated to a tragic Bradford schoolgirl, is set to go on sale next month.

Say No To Bullies, a collection of poems and illustrations based on actual bullying incidents, is being supported by the parents of 15-year-old Aimee Wellock, who collapsed and died as she ran away from a teenage gang at the Chellow Dene beauty spot in June 2005.

Alan and Jackie Wellock, of Chellow Dene, arranged for order forms to be copied to distribute the book, which was initially sent to schools.

The book aims to get the anti-bullying message across to the bullies, as well as victims. Now it has been accepted by a publisher.

Author Alison Hewie said: “It will be in print by the end of July and available in most shops, as well as libraries. It has taken some time to get a publisher, but it has been worthwhile.”

There are 500 copies in the first print run.

Alison, 50, of Lincolnshire, based the book on her own experiences of bullying as a child. She contacted the Wellocks after reading about Aimee’s case.

The teenager died from a heart condition after fleeing the gang near her home. She had also been bullied at school. Three teenage girls were convicted of manslaughter, but were later cleared on appeal. They were found guilty of affray and given sentences ranging from youth custody to supervision. All have now served their sentences.

Mrs Wellock said: “She has been trying for three years to get it published and we are behind her on it.

“She is very passionate about it and wants to bring it to people’s attention. We will do anything we can to help.

“The sad thing is it doesn’t seem to make a lot of difference. Bullying still goes on.

“It’s sad for the people that are left to pick up the pieces. At times, Aimee used to get really upset by the bullying she got. As a family you have to do your best to give them confidence and encourage them to try to ignore it.”