Client's new book helps bereaved children be superheroes in adversity

Ric Hart, whose wife Jade died after she gave birth to son Hugo at Bassetlaw hospital in July 2018, has published his third children's book, Hugo and Daddy’s Superhero Adventures.

Ric, a client of Mark Bowman's, began writing children's stories to help him and Hugo get through the tragedy of losing Jade. The first book in the series reached second place in Amazon's best-seller list.

“The Superhero Adventures book was inspired by the strength I showed through my deep grief process and wanted to relay this to Hugo through my books," Ric said. I always visualised a symbol of hope for Hugo and the ‘H’ sign was just that: it links to Hugo’s merchandise page and his own website: www.hartshero.co.uk.

“The purpose of the website is to allow Hugo and others to share their own superhero stories on things they have done, which have made them feel good inside."

Mark Bowman is pursuing an ongoing medical negligence claim on Ric's behalf against the Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospital Trust following mistakes in caring for Jade immediately after she gave birth to Hugo. Mark is also supporting the family at inquest.

"Jade's family is still awaiting the ordeal of inquest to finally get full answers as to why Jade died. The gravity of this case is such that the Assistant Coroner referred it to the police for criminal investigation, which is extremely rare in individual cases of medical negligence," Mark said.

In August 2021, the Care Quality Commission fined the Trust for failing its duty of candour in dealing with Jade's family.

Ric added: "Hugo begins nursery school in September so the Superhero symbol is perfect timing to help Hugo feel empowered and that he can achieve anything. The book also has huge relevance now for all kids stepping out of lockdown and moving forward searching for hope, fun adventure, and to feel good inside."