WHEN Robert J. Marsters wrote a book for his wife to help her through her cancer treatment, he never dreamed that one day it would be published.

The 53-year-old, who lives in Russells Hall, described his debut offering, The Ascension of Karrak, as "a fantasy tale with humour to interest the intellectual mind".

It follows two brothers, who were fortunate enough to have been born into a life of luxury as the sons of King Tamor Dunbar.

But while their lives started in an identical fashion, their destinies turn out to be quite different.

Robert said: “Originally, I wrote the book for my wife, Jane. The main enjoyment for me was the enthusiasm that she showed as she read each piece I had written.

"To hear her laugh and see her smile meant the world to me as she struggled through surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatments.

"She still has to have bi-annual tests in order to get the all-clear from the hospital, but unfortunately it seems that this will be the norm for at least the next two-and-a-half years, although she's fine within herself.

"Her bravery was the most inspirational thing I have ever seen and this publication is completely due to her belief in me."

Encouraged by his wife, Robert submitted his manuscript to Austin Macauley Publishers and was speechless when a contract arrived a few weeks later.

"I had never thought, in my wildest dreams, that what I had written would ever be taken seriously, let alone be printed," he said.

The father-of-two, who worked in the retail furniture trade for many years, now hopes to make a career from writing, having recently completed a second novel.

The Ascension of Karrak is available to buy on Amazon.

The Kindle edition is priced £3.50 and the paperback is available for £9.99.