Turning Time: Based on a true-life story of a family, relationships, time, blood cancer and a tiger.

Rob’s life is ticking along very happily until he stares into the eye of the tiger. From that moment, he begins a race against his time running out and a battle with the tiger, Mr Cheat.

Such a sudden and dramatic turn in Rob’s life throws him into a pit of despair and fear but opens up a whole new world, new experiences, perspectives and relationships that bring unexpected events, philosophical reflections, lots of humour, some pain, loss and gain.

With two years’ worth of sand left to drain from the hour glass of Rob’s life until it stops turning, the race is on for the one treatment that can turn time back in his favour.

The tiger, Mr Cheat, is a characterisation of his myelodysplasia, or myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS (a type of blood cancer). Mr Cheat is a constant, lurking presence and threat that Rob engages with throughout the book both physically and mentally.

The story provides detailed insight from first-hand experience of going through treatment for blood cancer and a bone marrow transplant, against the backdrop of life, family and relationships carrying on and evolving in the meantime.

For anyone touched by life-threatening illness, particularly blood-cancer, this story is for you.

All profits from the book are being donated to the Anthony Nolan charity.