Widowed Misterton author pens memoir on loss of childhood sweetheart and learning to live as single dad

A budding author from Misterton has just released an autobiography which tells a tale of young love and tragic loss involving his wife who died shortly after giving birth to their first child.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ric Hart, 36, released Pupy Love – an affectionate misspelling the couple shared in notes to each other – to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

It was a date full of significance, given that it is when he first met childhood sweetheart Jade in 2002, and the date they chose to get married in Thailand in 2015.

He said: “My autobiography tells the story of our romance, our lives, but also my grief journey and stepping into lockdown as a single parent.”

Ric Hart with copies of his new book, Pupy Love, which features a photo of late wife Jade on the cover.Ric Hart with copies of his new book, Pupy Love, which features a photo of late wife Jade on the cover.
Ric Hart with copies of his new book, Pupy Love, which features a photo of late wife Jade on the cover.

The book recalls how the couple faced obstacles as they grew up but never let go of each other or forgot what brought them together in the first place.

It is just over two years since Jade died, leaving Ric alone with baby Hugo to care for.

The intervening period has been a test of Ric’s inner strength and resilience, while taking steps to find peace and acceptance for the loss of his soul mate.

Writing has been key to that process, and Ric published his first book, aimed at children, last year.

Ric, pictured with son Hugo, donated proceeds from his debut children's book to a bereavement charity.Ric, pictured with son Hugo, donated proceeds from his debut children's book to a bereavement charity.
Ric, pictured with son Hugo, donated proceeds from his debut children's book to a bereavement charity.

Hugo and Daddy’s Night-time Adventures is written as a poem and linked by colourful illustrations to capture moments a child might experience after the death of a parent. It was written during the first lockdown, in the early hours before Hugo woke up.

Proceeds from that book have been donated to bereavement care charity Cruse, while free copies have also been given to Nottinghamshire libraries.

The autobiography let Ric to go further still, exploring grief, healing and life with Hugo in grown-up terms.

He said: “Not only has the book allowed me to step forward in my life and share my journey with everyone, but also there are lots of people out there that are suffering.

“I’m hoping it can help or inspire readers to realise there is always a way to step forward positively.”

Proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the charity Widowed and Young.

Pupy Love is available in online bookstores from £12.99. Readers can also share in the story via the Jade Hart Pupy Love page on Facebook.

Related topics: