Julia Darling
in the Post

Hello Julia,
I've just been through a list of things to do on this unheard of morning at home alone. I've done them all so now I can do something pleasant.

I met you in Derby last year at the Readers and Writers Day and bought your book of poetry which I read a few times and thought was terrific. I just happened to have it in my bag - believe me I always happen to have lots of books in my bag - one morning at the hospice where I was working as writer-in -residence. It was one of those buzzy times where you feel brave, reckless maybe, so I read a couple of your poems. The effect was electrifying. It had taken me over three years to initiate anything so direct. I could go on but this peace won't last. I promised that I would let you know how moved the patients were, especially one old man called John who said 'That's how it is. That's what I call poetry.'

There job done, I've told you. And reminded me of that saying 'Poetry speaks for us as well as to us.'
Best Wishes

Sheelagh Gallagher

Just a quick e mail to say how much I enjoyed your short story in Save our Short story. I found it very moving.

I hope that things are going OK for you and that you're staying well. I thought you might like to know that I have coerced 8 other women into running the 'Race for Life' on July 11th at Gosforth Park Racecourse. We're pooling our sponsor money with New Writing North's total. I'm sure you know that they (Claire and Holly) did the Gateshead 'Race for Life' last Sunday.

Our team are trying to think of a theme: whether it's painting our faces, wearing decorated bras or grass skirts or — well I don't know. Any ideas gratefully received!

Take care Julia.

Best wishes, Noreen (Rees)

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Dear Noreen, Thanks so much. Bev, Scarlet and Florrie did the Race For Life last Sun...I was amazed at their energy! You should pick a theme that is very comfortable to wear.....aertex and shorts, or saris or something...or something little, like having lightbulbs on your heads...pineapples maybe?

Lots of love Julia

Left to right: Noreen, Louise, Sara and Tessa

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We've decided we're going to wear tiaras and wings and be 'a bunch of fairies.' Net skirts should be practical but we'll have to see how itchy on bare legs! We thought of the strapline 'We wish we could wave cancer away but we can't so that's why we're running.'

We hope to have a team photo shortly so I'll send you a copy.

Love, Noreen

P.S If anyone would like to sponsor me they can send their pledges to
Latest: "We had a great run collectively and should raise around £300."

Yesterday I did some teaching with some doctors, and I read aloud parts of your manifesto, ending on the word 'pies'. Some of them gasped! I used it to introduce the idea that they might write a manifesto, for 'learning in small groups' (that being the topic of yesterday's class). The class was a great success, and we ended on a real high, and this was in no small way due to the inspiration of your writing. I have it in mind now to write a manifesto for communication in hospitals, and to invite my students to do the same. I have a feeling that the [undergraduate] nurses I teach may especially rise to this. I will send you what we write.

Sarah Collins

SO MUCH APPRECIATION for your lovely book The Taxi Driver's Daughter. Can really relate to Caris and her descent into the dark pit. I found the book last Friday and had read it by Sunday. It's only just out here in Ontario, Canada. I also loved your Crocodile Soup book; tremendously in fact. Love those quirky strange people, they make the world go round. And YOU dear Julia Darling, make the world a much better and more beautiful place with your gift of words. I found your website and read about your breast cancer. How bloody unfair I thought. She's brilliant and deserves the very best life, a smooth and uncomplicated path ahead. She has so many more words in her, she just can't be waylaid. So I sent a prayer (though I'm not religious in a traditional sense) with a few choice swear words included, for your health, strength, comfort. Thank you for your tremendous courage, and again, your gift of writing. Many many blessings to you. Sincerely

I was going to send you an e-mail to wish you well for your scan due today, and then I read your recent web entry when you wrote you hadn't felt too well this week.

I do hope every goes OK for you and that there is a solution. I really admire your positive attitude and stoicism. Keep on going and doing things, I am sure it helps! With all good wishes.

EP

I have just found your work on the net, linked from our website (wordsinhere) to "Poetrywhore" ahem.

I cannot recall when I last read a poem so wonderful as Too Heavy. I am a poet and novelist, with only bits and bobs published as yet, unfortunately with a best mate in a similar predicament as you. God I was moved, I had to write and say that. Your work has a clarity that I can only admire. I don't often read such wonderful work, especially as I live in Amsterdam, it's hard to find. Thank you, that's all, just a big thanks from my most important place.

With kind regards,