Renowned Northampton author and local mental health campaigner join forces on World Book Day
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A Northampton based renowned international author and local mental health campaigner joined forces on World Book Day to bring support to more men.
Martin Smith, the author of the children’s best selling Charlie Fry books series, has been sharing his success as a writer with Ashley Riley, a mental health campaigner who has shared his story on national television and who will publish his mental health journey in the summer.
World Book Day took place on Thursday 5 March 2026. It is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, authors, illustrators, and books. Its primary goal is to encourage children to read for pleasure, which improves their lives, literacy, and future prospects.
“While World Book Day is rightly a day where we encourage children in our community to share their love of books, it is also a day to showcase how anyone sharing their story through the written word can change the lives of others.” said Ashley Riley, who two years ago, as an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business owning confident man started suffering from a low mood and had a brief panic attack.Within a month it turned in to life stopping anxiety and deep, dark depression.
“As I have shared my story across the UK, I continue to be asked if I would be prepared to write a book and share what I went through and what I have learnt.” Ashley continued. “Therefore, I made the decision at the start of this year to begin that journey and write openly and honestly about what I, and millions of men, go through every single day.”
Ashey and Martin have been spending time together where the children’s author has been sharing his knowledge and experience on writing and what is required to appeal to a global audience.
“I am a husband, father, football fanatic, hiker, gamer, writer and a general all-rounder.” said Martin Smith, whose books are top sellers on Amazon. “I know from the letters and emails I receive from children and parents that books can and do change people’s lives. That is why I wanted to support Ashley on his exciting and brave journey.”
The Charlie Fry Book Series, written by Martin, features The Football Boy Wonder, The Demon Football Manager, The Magic Football Book, The Football Spy and The Football Superstar.
The series is aimed at children aged between seven and 13 focusing on friendship, loyalty, bullying and, of course, football. It follows the story of Charlie Fry, a lad who dreams of being a professional footballer but can't run due to cystic fibrosis. Belief is a key theme throughout the series.
“I am humbled that Martin has so generously given his time and advice to me as I write my story of a middle age man’s mental health journey.” Ashley continued. “It has made a real difference to me and will make a difference to many men, who experience crushing mental health and far too often feel they are on their own.”
After suffering regular anxiety and depression, Ashley eventually experienced psychosis before borrowing money to enter private psychiatric care. After leaving treatment, he suffered a stroke while mowing the front lawn and was found by his 11-year-old daughter.
75% of all UK suicides are men and in 2025 national mental health charity MIND reported that one third of people who have experienced stress, depression or anxiety become more ill and quicker while waiting for support from authorities.
“Ashley’s personal story is incredibly powerful in what he experienced, what he has overcome and what he has learnt.” Martin said. “That is why I wanted to support him in writing his story. I know it will change people’s lives.”
“As an outgoing, comfortable, loud, business owning confident man I never even thought about my mental health.” Ashley continued. “Living with depression and anxiety is life limiting. It is awful. I have learnt so much and know that it can happen to anyone at any time.”
“That is why I am writing my story and is why I hope, on World Book Day, that men will know more than ever they are not on their own.”
Ashley expects to publish his book in the late Spring / early Summer of 2026.
For more information on Martin Smith and the Charlie Fry please visit Amazon.co.uk: Martin Smith: books, biography, latest update
For more information on Ashley Riley and his work supporting people experiencing mental health challenges please visit www.bluesoulshoes.co.uk