Watford striker Danny Welbeck is among a host of sports stars supporting a charitable children's illustrated e-book

The Hornets' forward features in The Nightingales' Song, an e-book by Berkshire-based head of sixth form, Phil Clegg.

All of the money raised from the book will go to NHS Charities - the same charity Captain Tom Moore raised £33 million for when he completed 100 laps of his garden.

The idea for the e-book came about after a chance conversation between Mr Clegg and Professor James Calder, a doctor involved with the new Nightingale Hospital, who has treated some of the biggest sports stars.

Prof Calder went into his book of contacts and recruited a number of major sports figures including Welbeck, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, West Ham's Jack Wilshere, cricketers Joe Root and Mark Wood, and rugby union's George Kruis and Anthony Watson.

Watford Observer:

Phil Clegg

Watford Observer:

Cricketer Mark Wood

The illustrated short story takes its lead from classic children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, and tells the tale of the Nightingales, the underdog team in football, cricket and rugby as they play against the Badgers, the Bucks, and the Squirrels in the Champions’ Cup. In order to improve, Ed Nightingale seeks the advice of some real world sporting talents.

The Nightingales take this advice on board and perform better than they ever have, but are still not quite good enough to win the cup. Then, before the final awards ceremony, a storm strikes that puts everything at risk. Working as a team, with advice from the sporting legends, the Nightingales’ song calms the storm and, as a rainbow appears, all can celebrate.

Watford Observer:

Danny Welbeck has also donated a £10,000 relief package to the residents of his mother’s home town in Ghana to help them cope with the coronavirus pandemic. Credit: Action Images

Welbeck said: "Having loved sport and, in particular, football all my life, I know how important it is to me. I have also seen the impact of football and the stories sport can tell on friends, family and supporters in their millions.

"It can take you from Premier League winning highs to painful injury lows.

" The Nightingales’ Song helps children see this through the eyes of the Nightingales, Badgers, Squirrels and Bucks, but also see that, as we have seen in recent months, there are more important things than sport. It is a magical story with stunning illustrations that is raising money for a brilliant cause. And it includes me giving coaching advice to a nightingale."

The Nightingales’ Song by Phil Clegg, with illustrations by Laura Hutchinson, £3.99, for ages five plus, is available at places including Amazon, Google Play Store and Apple Books.