Described as possibly the most painful condition known to humankind, chronic and recurring pancreatitis not only nearly killed me, it seriously messed with my life. Admitted to teaching hospitals over 100 times, enduring over 30 surgeries, I spent 22 years on what one specialist professor described as 'industrial doses of opiates' (morphine, even at times the medical form of heroine, Fentanyl, and Ketamine etc) yet pain was unremitting. Of course I wanted to end it all. I cried like the psalmist 'How long, O Lord?'. Surrounded by praying friends and supported amazingly by my wonderful wife and family, I simply could not understand how I got through each day. But I did by the grace of God, and now my story needs to be told.
My new book 'Through the Storms; a manual for when life hurts' should be out in time for you to have one before Christmas, or to give it to a friend or loved one. It offers hope, encouragement and practical wisdom to people of all faiths or of none who may be passing through life storms of one kind or another. It tells of my near-death encounters and looks honestly at my struggles, but it also gives positive suggestions to help with pain, disappointment, loneliness, bereavement, PTSD and a host of other 'storm conditions'.
Some people call me a walking miracle today. I am so grateful to God and to my transplant team in Newcastle for this amazing new start. But being cured is not when healing ends - it is sometimes just when it is beginning - and I am still learning lessons as I reflect on this two-decade long ordeal. I want to share those lessons with you.
Some people call me a walking miracle today. I am so grateful to God and to my transplant team in Newcastle for this amazing new start. But being cured is not when healing ends - it is sometimes just when it is beginning - and I am still learning lessons as I reflect on this two-decade long ordeal. I want to share those lessons with you.
If you live in Guernsey you can have a copy for £8.99 post free by emailing me at throughthestorms750@gmail.com. You can use the PayPal link below to pay or ask in the email for further payment options. In the UK and Jersey I will send you a copy for £8.99 plus £1.75 p&p which totals £10.74. Higher quantities and discounts for churches can be arranged through the email please.
You can also pre-order order copies via Amazon for when it is officially published in February 2020 and becomes available on Kindle etc.
You can also pre-order order copies via Amazon for when it is officially published in February 2020 and becomes available on Kindle etc.
Here are some kind comments about this book:
from Rev Lyndon Bowring, Chairman of CARE
‘I’ve known Eric for more than forty years and marvelled at his faith and determination not to let his condition get the better of him. He is a living tribute to the grace and mercy of God. If your situation looks hopeless, you’re caring for someone in great need or you fear for your own future health, this book will be an incredible inspiration and comfort to you.’
from Jonathan Le Tocq, Minister for External Affairs, States of Guernsey, and church leader
‘Few people desire to show their scars to the world, especially those that come along with pain, humiliation and vulnerability. Even then, few are able to articulate effectively the experiences that brought about those scars. Eric is one of the few who can. In a world crying out for authenticity he takes us on his life’s journey, along the way equipping us all to understand better the pain, frustrations and unanswered questions of those who suffer.’
from Rev Dr Clive Burnard, Regional Minister, Yorkshire Baptist Association
‘I cannot commend this book highly enough. Not only is it honest about the profound challenges faced personally by the author, but readers will also find both wonderful encouragement and practical help.
from Dr Richard Seymour, retired GP
‘If ever there was a man to help those in chronic pain, it is Eric. He’s been there, lived with it for more than twenty years and now has been mercifully released.’
