The book, aimed at children eight-years-old and over, follows the life of another Ellie, who suffers from achondroplasia - a short limb form of dwarfism - also and embarks on an adventure after discovering a secret recipe in the family bakery.

Like the real-life Ellie, the character in the story uses swimming as a way of overcoming barriers in her life.

Simmonds, an avid reader as a child, hopes the book will inspire young readers to see that anything is possible in life.

"It's so exciting to think about the new book coming out," the 19-year-old was Walsall said.

"The Ellie in the story has achondroplasia, like me, and she lives with horrible relatives who run a bakery.

"They put things like mud, rocks and stones into her birthday cake.

"But, when a magic recipe for a cake turns up her life transforms into a great adventure.

"Ellie overcomes the challenges in her life through swimming and baking.

"I wanted to create an inspirational story showing how, if you set yourself goals, it really is possible to achieve so much.

"I really hope the readers enjoy it."

Simmonds says she hopes her new book will inspire youngsters to use swimming to overcome barriers just as she has done ©Getty Images



Simmonds is currently studying psychology at Loughborough College and gearing up for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Swimming European Championships in Eindhoven, due to take place from August 4 to 10.

She will be looking for a repeat of her performance at the Pieter van den Hoogenband Stadium in the Dutch city during the 2010 World Championships when she claimed four gold medals.

Last year Simmonds moved her training base from Swansea, where she had lived for six years, to Loughborough, and claims they have been very supportive in helping her juggle training and competing with her studies.

Amanda Burrows, head of Loughborough College's sixth form, praised the commitment shown by Simmonds both in and out of the classroom and believes her book will prove an inspiration to others.

"We're delighted Ellie is publishing Ellie's Magical Bakery," said Burrows.

"It's an inspirational story for children and Ellie has applied many of her own sporting qualities and skills to her academic life, including motivation and determination."

Ellie's Magical Bakery is published by Random House and is available on Amazon, in bookshops and supermarkets.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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