Sale cleaning company chairman turns hand to writing for charity

Linda Wyers at the launch of her book in honour of husband Martin
Linda Wyers at the launch of her book in honour of husband Martin

The chairman of a Sale cleaning company has turned her hand to writing, publishing a special book in memory of her husband.

‘Ode to Life’ by Linda Wyers is described by the author as a collection of odes and poems about love, life and everything in between, and is dedicated to her late husband Martin Wyers.

Martin, who founded the family’s business Floorbrite in 1972, died of bowel cancer in December 2010 aged 61, and the book is raising money for three organisations that supported him and his loved ones throughout his illness – St Ann’s Hospice, Bowel Cancer UK, and The Christie Hospital.

Linda explained: “I’ve written odes from being in my early 20s, particularly for family and friends, but as I have grown older I have been inspired to write and put observations and experiences of life into verse.

“All of my odes are about things I have seen, done, encountered or love, and range from mashed potato to mosquitoes, and queuing to taxation, and although a few are hugely poignant, most of them see the funny side of life.

“I hope they will make people smile, and on occasion even laugh out loud.”

The book includes more than 25 odes, each written by Linda. Copies cost £10 plus postage each, with all proceeds except for postage costs split equally between the three charities.

Linda added: “Martin’s disease was stage four from the outset, and although doctors didn’t tell us that he wasn’t expected to live twelve months, he actually bravely fought for three and a half years.

“Martin was a very generous and successful business man who loved and did everything possible for his family.

“He founded Floorbrite in 1972 and he managed it until his passing.

“Today, myself and our three gorgeous children Nina, Alex and Nik run the business, with a family ethos at its core, and it’s testament to the strong foundations which Martin created and the incredible hard work of our children that the business still thrives today.”

Floorbrite is a commercial cleaning and facilities provider, and the company employs 1,300 people.

St Ann’s Hospice, one of the charities the book is raising money for, cared for Martin during his illness.

Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive, said: “We’re honoured that Linda has chosen St Ann’s to benefit from the proceeds of her fabulous book.  It’s such a beautiful tribute to her husband, and the odes cover a delightful mix of topics.

“Thanks so much to Linda for her support of the hospice, as the money raised will help us to provide care to other families too.”

To buy a copy of Ode to Life, email Linda on: linda.wyers@floorbrite.co.uk.