Award-winning children's author, originally from Suffolk, attempting to break Guinness World Record

An award-winning children's author is looking to break a Guinness World Record and raise awareness of mental health problems in youngsters.

Emily Madge Payne, originally from Beccles but now living in London, wrote award-winning 'Inner Buddy: A friendly guide to help with worries' - a book to help children suffering from anxiety.

Emily was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at 17 and went through the mental health service for young people in Suffolk.

After reading about the current lack of funding for children's mental health services in the county, she decided she wanted to do something to raise awareness of the problem.

So she applied to Guinness World Records asking if she could attempt the world's longest book signing - seeing her sign nearly 7,000 copies of Inner Buddy - and was accepted.

Emily is to take on the challenge at Jump In Adventure Park, in Ipswich, next February 12, the end of Children's Mental Health week.

Children will receive a hard copy of the book, access to the audio book and other goodies for a list price reduction of over 80 per cent.

"Going through the service was one of the reasons I started writing Inner Buddy," Emily said.

"I wanted to create something that helped children as soon as they ask for help, an interim book whilst waiting for mental health services.

"I waited around three to six months for help, but know that wait times have dramatically increased to six to 18 months and sometimes even longer.

"I spoke to a Mum recently who had been waiting nearly two years for her son to be seen, which was a massive shock.

"That's why I am extremely grateful to be able to do the World Record attempt in my home county, as I know a lot of children and parents will be grateful for the support."

Also on the day, there will be live drawings from Emily's illustrator Swampy and the whole event will be livestreamed on Facebook via: www.facebook.com/innerbuddy

Emily is funding the challenge herself alongside fellow author Jane Bell but is in need of help.

"I don't have a massive publisher backing this event and am currently looking for companies to sponsor the event to help cover costs of the books to be printed," she said.

"I am extremely grateful to Jump In for allowing us to use their Adventure Park, and also for their continued support."

Inner Buddy has won three awards in the Purple Dragonfly and Royal Dragonfly Awards in the USA.

To help Emily, or for more information, email her on: madge@innerbuddy.com