A health food store is the “absolute hero” of a new children’s story by Viridian Nutrition founder and Health Stores UK committee member, Cheryl Thallon
My Mum Ran a 5K tells the story of a nutritionally challenged racoon family whose lives take a turn for the better when they discover the abundance of health-giving foods, products, services, advice and knowledge from their local independent health retailer.
The book aims to instil positive lifestyle habits early in childhood, with the younger generation becoming the inspiration for their parents, as well as introducing children to the concept of health stores.
Cheryl, explains: “The narrator is 5-year-old Skye who is desperate to get away from the TV and have fun with mum – but she’s always too tired. My Mum Ran a 5K is written to help families make a lasting connection between food, movement and long- term health and happiness.
“The hero of the story is Skye, but for me the absolute hero of the story is the health food store. In the centre pages, you walk into the health food store, you meet the staff and see how the kind lady in the shop helps them to make healthier choices.”
The artwork for the colourful, fully illustrated 36-page book, aimed at 3 to 7-year-olds, has been created by first-time illustrator Charlie Tomkins. But for Cheryl, it continues a lifetime mission.
Cheryl “fell in love” with health food stores aged 21, and has worked in the health sector for over 40 years years including in health food stores, as editor of Natural Food Trader magazine and finally, as the founder of Viridian Nutrition.
She has completed Couch to 5K programme, experiencing the health benefits herself, and went onto finish the 5K leg of last year’s Viridian Daventry Triathlon in her home town of Daventry, in Northamptonshire.
“The big question to my mind has been ‘What kind of 60-year-old do you want to be?’ Well, the habits we have today are direct predictors of the health we will experience in the years ahead. Obesity, heart disease, diabetes type 2 are 21st century illnesses and are largely lifestyle related. The good news is that often they can be reversed with lifestyle changes. Children that adopt good habits early can go on to be healthy 60-year-olds.”
“If we love the NHS, then we must start and continue to love ourselves, making the decision to care for our own health so we can free up hospital beds for those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Released as part of Viridian’s 25th anniversary, health stores will receive free copies of the book to share within their communities.
• My Mum Ran a 5K is published by Suddenly Publishing Ltd, with a cover price of £7.50.
