Dr Sharon Probert, one of our dedicated Paediatric Consultant Gastroenterologists, is set to publish her first children’s book, Alvin’s Ears, on 24 April 2025.
Alvin’s Ears tells the story of Alvin, a rabbit who faces bullying but finds the courage to stand tall.
Through this engaging tale, the book explores important themes of resilience, kindness, and the impact of bullying on young people’s wellbeing.
Dr Probert’s inspiration for writing the book comes from her deep passion for supporting children who experience bullying, particularly after seeing the physical effects it can have on their health.
Many young patients she sees in clinic suffer from gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can often be caused or worsened by stress related to bullying.
Her personal connection to this issue runs even deeper, as her own daughter, now a medical student, experienced bullying in childhood and lives with IBS - one of the reasons Dr Probert chose to specialise in gastroenterology.
Having been with the Trust for eight years, Dr Probert has seen first-hand how bullying affects young patients and their families.
Alvin’s Ears is designed to be read by children independently or together with parents and carers, providing a way to open up conversations about these challenges in a supportive and accessible way.
We are incredibly proud of Dr Probert’s commitment to making a difference within our communities beyond the clinic, and we hope this book will provide valuable support to young people and families across County Durham, Darlington, and beyond.
Congratulations, Dr Probert.
