AN old proverb says ‘If it were not for hope, the heart would break.’
On Sunday, May 29, Billie Kinder was involved in a freak horse accident that took her life. She was only 12 years old.
Her Pitt Town family, reeling from the tragedy, have put together a book. The content was written and illustrated by Billie, and includes poems, narratives and artwork.
The title of the book is Hope, and it is already touching the lives of many people, not only around Australia, but around the globe. Over 1200 copies have already been sold.
“Billie always gave and here she is, still giving,” Billie’s mum, Danny Mayson-Kinder, told the Gazette.
Billie had always wanted to be published. She was a talented writer, and had just won an academic scholarship for high school at Arndell Anglican College.
“Through her amazing gifts of empathy and insight, Hope was put together with the intention of inspiring and giving hope to others,” said Mrs Mayson-Kinder.
Billie loved animals. She was a keen horse-rider, and was passionate about the numerous horses, dogs, rabbits and chickens the family kept.
She wanted to help mistreated animals, and even made steps to fundraise at school.
When she was 10, she wanted to sign up as a volunteer at Riding for Disabled, but they said she was too young. At 12, and still enthusiastic, they signed Billie on as a helper.
Her family is currently working on developing a dog adoption agency called Billie’s Paws. Likewise, the money raised from Hope will go towards helping those in need.
“All the profits from Hope will go towards mistreated animals and sick children,” said Mrs Mayson-Kinder.
“Billie loved Harry Potter and in fact we orchestrated her book release on the same day as the final Harry Potter book at the end of July.”
Billie’s family hopes Hope will be in every school, library, hospital and home around the world. Their mission is to sell more copies than Harry Potter.
Hope can be purchased through the Fly High Billie website at www.flyhighbillie.com. It can also be purchased at local stores, the post office in Pitt Town and retail store Jewellery by a Farmer's Daughter in Windsor.
