Wilmslow based Ci Research has claimed a real coup in securing a contribution from Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States for a book project.
Michelle pipped her US President husband in contributing to the The Handbook of Life. Barack's own quote arrived a matter of hours too late to meet the print deadline for a book featuring the ultimate in advice from world leaders and celebrities.
Michelle Obama heads a star-studded list of contributors including former PM the Baroness Thatcher and politicians George Osbourne, Chris Patten, Nick Clegg and Andrew Stunell. From the world of sport Sir Ian Botham, Ricky Hatton MBE, Mike Atherton OBE and Lewis Hamilton have all offered their personal insight. In fact Lewis Hamilton emailed versions of his quote over during a grand prix race weekend.
Colin Auton revealed, "We were honoured to receive a wonderful quote from Lewis. But we discovered he is something of a perfectionist. Not happy with his first submission, he asked if he could rewrite it! It was just before the Singapore Grand Prix. And it was quite surreal to imagine one of the world's most famous sportsmen driving round the circuit thinking how he could improve his quote for our book!"
The Handbook of Life also boasts contributions from entertainers including actor John Thompson, Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and Terry Wogan KBE. As well as astronomer Lord Martin Rees of Ludlow and ethologist Richard Dawkins.
Colin added, "This project has given us so many things. It's been a wonderful team effort. We've all gained an incredible tenacity to get past agents and secretaries who are employed to block requests like hours! And our contact book now reads like a who's who of 21st century leaders and celebrities."
"It's an astonishing line up of contributors. And more than we could ever hoped for when we began the project. We are extremely grateful for their contributions - not only for making the project such a huge success but in anticipation of the money we will hopefully raise for charity." Around 75% of the sales monies will go to the charities."
The project celebrates the research company's 20th anniversary and will raise money for North West-based children’s hospices (Francis House and Clare House), Beechwood Cancer Care and Children in Need.
'The Handbook of Life features a compilation of answers to the question: 'what is the best advice on life you’ve ever been given?'
The handbook is now available from Waterstones in Wilmslow or via the Claire House website, priced just £4.99.
