A SOMERSET-based former footballer turned theatrical entrepreneur has penned his first novel with proceeds going to support the families of those who died in the Hillsborough football tragedy.
Mike Bearcroft, from Henstridge, drew on his life-long love of football to write Dangerous Score, the story of a rising young footballer whose life and career are threatened when he is linked with the disappearance of a young woman.
Mike began his own career as a junior player and goalkeeper with Sheffield United FC before leaving the sport to head a sales and marketing company.
However he never lost his love of the beautiful game and went on to become Chairman of Corby Town FC and sponsor of Rothwell Town and Kettering FC, before turning his attention to show business.
Following acting appearances in shows such as Peak Practice and Casualty he trained as a director of musicals and his current production Back to Broadway is currently touring UK theatres.
When writing Dangerous Score, which he describes as “a rollercoaster ride of football, mystery, love, crime and even more football,” he decided to donate a percentage of his royalties to the Hillsborough Families Support Group.
Members of the group, formed to commemorate those killed and injured at the Sheffield Stadium in 1989, joined Mike at the official launch of Dangerous Score at Goodison Park, home to Everton FC last month (November).
He said: “I’ve always had a deep admiration for the Hillsborough Families Support Group and have forged strong links with them over the years so it seemed fitting that they benefit from the sale of the book.”
Dangerous Score is published in paperback by Dynasty Press and is on sale at Amazon and Tesco priced at £8.99.
SEE MIKE BEARCROFT SIGNING COPIES OF HIS NEW BOOK DANGEROUS SCORE, AT: PAPERTREES, 33 HIGH STREET, WINCANTON, SOMERSET BA9 9JU ON 10AM ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012.