The parents of a young boy who died of cancer have donated 571 books to Sheffield Children’s Hospital to celebrate World Book Day and continue their son’s legacy.
Lucy and Arron Mellon-Jameson, from Sheffield, cared for their son Jude who was diagnosed with high risk neuroblastoma at three years old at Sheffield Children’s Hospital in 2021, and died in his parents’ arms in September 2023.
Mr Mellon-Jameson, 34, said: “We read to Jude daily, even in his final days of life as he was being cared for at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. It transformed the cruel situation we were in, where we could create those last special memories with him.”
Before he died, their son founded Jude and the Book Factory, a community of young bookworms which turned into an adventure for Jude to share, swap and hide his books in public spaces for other children to claim as their own.
Jude hidden hundreds of books for kids to find in parks, indoor play areas, farms, and other places. As a result, a community of more than 500 kids formed, all of whom are hiding books so other kids can find them.
Jude stated, “I like hiding my books for children to enjoy,” just before he passed away. I’m relieved to see them gone, and I get thrilled to learn they’ve been located.
“Jude touched many hearts and having this special project means we have a way of remembering Jude and can ensure that the Jude magic reaches as many people as possible,” said Jude’s father, former Sheffield Wednesday custodian Arron Mellon-Jameson.
“His imagination was very much alive, even in his final days as he was slipping away.”
Ms Mellon-Jameson, 35, who left her job as a pharmacy team leader when Jude was diagnosed, said: “We believe that hiding a book for another child is like giving a gift. The hiding and discovery mean they are no longer just books, they are keys to imagination, creativity and adventure.
“We understand how it feels to be in the hospital for such a long period of time when your child needs lifesaving treatment. Books were a great escape for Jude and us.
“We know first-hand how books can transport you to a different place and time, and that’s why we’re giving back to Sheffield Children’s, to ensure that children just like Jude can have their own adventures from the comfort of their beds.”
Throughout Jude’s treatment, the family raised thousands of pounds for the Children’s Hospital Charity, including funds for the charity-funded cancer and leukaemia ward, where Jude spent much of the final years of his life.
Jane Darby, the fundraising officer at Hub, stated: “Jude was a complete delight. Since he was a character like this himself, Jude and the Book Factory is the ideal legacy for him.
Jude and the Book Factory’s enchantment has travelled far and wide. My granddaughter has even discovered a book, and she is going to incorporate the Jude and the Book Factory emblem into her own World Book Day costume because she is so inspired by it.
Kids are welcome to come play with Jude and the Book Factory, where those who register as “frends” will receive a diploma, book labels to spread the word about the purpose, and a badge or some wildflower seeds to mark their accomplishment.
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