Carlisle United feature in novel by Cumbrian author

One Last Waltz, by Peter Scholes, is set in the county and features some of the Blues’ staff as well as characters and places from across the area.

The book is set in a fictional old folks’ home near Brampton, and follows the lives of staff and residents through the eyes of a care worker.

One of the chapters sees one of the residents fulfil his dream to be a United mascot in his 80s - while there are walk-on parts for two of the Blues’ “unsung heroes” in secretary Sarah McKnight and media assistant Amy Nixon.

Pete said he is donating 20 per cent of the proceeds of the book to the Alzheimer’s Society in tribute to friends and family members who have lost loved ones to the disease.

The author, a lifelong United fan who is also a teacher, said the book is “about the importance of life”.

He said: “Set in The Acorns [a fictional old folks’] home on the outskirts of Brampton], we get to know the staff and residents through the eyes of long time care worker, Angie Tomlinson.

Pete Scholes' new book One Last Waltz, which is supporting the Alzheimer's Society (Image: Pete Scholes)

“Despite their many ailments and complaints, and knowing life's road won't go on forever, there is a passion and desire to make the most of the time they have left. Age is no barrier here!”

It is Pete’s fourth novel, and the third that is set around his home city.

“As with my other books, many of the characters within the story are named after friends, family members, acquaintances and old work colleagues,” he said.

“These characters also visit many places in and around Carlisle that have a special place in my heart – everywhere from Brunton Park to Allonby beach and many more besides.”

Pete said he approached United with his plans to include the club in the story.

United's long-serving secretary Sarah McKnight is mentioned in the book (Image: Stewart Blair)

He said: “I contacted Andy Hall [the club’s media officer] to say I planned to write CUFC into the story and would he like to recommend some names of staff to go in?

“He suggested I include Sarah McKnight and Amy Nixon as they are unsung heroes behind the scenes, so they are in!

“Other than those three, [chairman] Andrew Jenkins, [manager] Paul Simpson and [players] Owen Moxon and Tomas Holy get a mention.  

“In that part of the story, it is one of the old folks’ final dream to become a mascot – In his 80s!

“His wish is granted thanks to club staff and he runs out with the team in a fictional 3-0 win over Bradford City in front of a bumper crowd.

“SKY even cover the story in the book and I contacted one of the reporters to ask her if she didn't mind being in the book. She messaged back to say 'no problem'.”

Pete said he also received support from a number of individuals and groups including the Old Photos of Carlisle Facebook group, Glasgow University Ballroom and Inkporium Tattooist.

They, along with Andy Hall at United, “were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout”, added Pete.

Allonby beach is also featured in Pete's book (Image: Paul Johnson)

He said he wanted to support the Alzheimer’s Society with some of the royalties – and the charity “have been brilliant and incredibly supportive of the idea. Having read the book, they were very keen to be involved,” he added.

“In the story, two of the residents suffer from this type of dementia, and I felt it was important to highlight what can be done to help and support family members and friends who are struggling to cope with the different stages of the disease.

“Two friends, Niki Foster and Joanne Strong, lost much-loved family members with Alzheimer's and they were kind enough to share their memories and grant me permission to include their names in the story. I hope I have done them proud.

“Hopefully it is another book to show off Carlisle and Cumbria in a good light and shows that no matter how old you are, life is there to be enjoyed.”

One Last Waltz is available on Amazon, priced £10 (paperback) and £3.99 (Kindle).