Former Wigan journalist pens first novel inspired by his favourite job

Frank worked for the old Evening Post and Chronicle before joining the Daily Express as a sports reporter in the 1980s in a career which saw him cover four Olympics and five World Cups.

His book is inspired by the patients he met while in a voluntary role for a hospital charity and how they deal with adversity.

It tells the tale of a war correspondent, Dan Armitage, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

After suffering a panic attack, he takes a sabbatical and enrols as a charity ambulance driver where he befriends four extraordinary people who quickly realise they share a quirky wit and a zest for life.

“The one thing that struck me most when I began driving the ambulance car was the positive energy of the patients and how they bonded with each other in double-quick time,” said the dad-of-one.

“In some ways they are all part of the same club fighting a common foe and invariably they do so with humour and courage and a defiance which is humbling to behold.

“I first came across that camaraderie when my mum was looked after on several occasions by Wigan and Leigh Hospice in her final years and I used to take her across to Christie’s in Manchester.

“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer so I think it will resonate.

“The book essentially is a feelgood read, full of hope, humour and optimism, although there is also an undercurrent of crime and a dash of romance.”

Frank is donating all royalties from the book to a cancer charity providing transport for cancer patients.

It is his third book to have benefited charity since quitting journalism.

His first two were non-fiction, including Simply the Best, which was the inside story of Wigan’s eight consecutive Challenge Cup victories at Wembley in the 1980s and 1990s.

It has proved popular with fans and all proceeds go to the Joining Jack charity.

But fiction is a whole new ball game.

Frank added: “I was used to reporting and commenting on events I had seen and I’d never experienced the terrors of the blank page.

“Conjuring up something from nowhere is hugely enjoyable but scary at the same time.’

When the Mist Clears (Whisper Publishing) is available in paperback £7.99 and e-book £1.99 from Amazon.