An inspiring Norwich man determined not to let having osteoarthritis get him down is celebrating the release of his first novel.

Stuart Ingram, 35, has spoken of how being diagnosed with osteoarthritis led to him fulfilling his ambition to write a book. Last September he was diagnosed with the condition more commonly associated with older people. He was told his right hip had worn away and he also had osteoarthritis in his left hip. Since then he has endured an operation to replace his right hip and faces an operation to shave his left hip back into shape. To help him stay positive throughout this painful medical trauma Mr Ingram has spent much of his time writing his first book - Nick, a seasonal Christmas tale of regret and forgiveness about a family trying to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

Mr Ingram, who lives with his partner Naomi Gittens in Carrow Road and has three sons and two stepsons, said: 'Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis was shocking and absolutely devastating, but as debilitating as it is, I knew it was not terminal, and so I took the opinion it was not the end of the world. 'Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for myself I decided I should do something I have always wanted to do - and I had always wanted to write.'

After writing the first chapter of Nick, Mr Ingram was delighted to win a publishing contract with Night Publishing. His book went on sale this month.

'I just really hope people enjoy my writing,' he said.

'I am hoping my writing will take off and in 10 years I might have two, three or maybe four books published.'

Mr Ingram already has a contract for his second book - a horror called 7 Days due to be published in 2012

• Nick is available to buy electronically on www.amazon.co.uk, and in paperback and electronically on www.amazon.com.

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