‘Formby’s Lost Love’ author Andrew Atkinson with the letter from London publishers Austin Macauley.

Preston born author Andrew Atkinson is a step closer to getting his book ‘Formby’s Lost Love’ published after further interest from a London publisher.
Austin Macauley, based in Canary Wharf, have asked for the complete manuscript of ‘Formby’s Lost Love’ following a synopsis submission.
“The Austin Macauley board of editors have reported back favourably regarding the initial submission of ‘Formby’s Lost Love’,” said Senior Editor Hayley Knight.
“We now wish to view the complete manuscript in its final form. We look forward to it,” said Hayley.

‘Formby’s Lost Love’ tells the previously untold story of Penwortham school teacher Pat Howson, who was engaged to ukulele legend George Formby in 1961.
Wigan born Formby, who died in Preston, aged 56, days before their planned wedding in March 1961, bequeathed the majority of his Estate to Pat, equating to over £2 million today.
In the following decade Religious teacher Pat faced years of Court wranglings over Formby’s will; the split of her parents; the death of her mother, and her untimely death of ovarian cancer, aged 46, in 1971.
“I am thrilled to have received notification from Austin Macauley asking for the complete manuscript of ‘Formby’s Lost Love’,” said Andrew.
“It has been 54 years since George Formby and Pat Howson were engaged to be married – thwarted after Britain’s ukulele star’s fatal heart attack,” said Andrew, 57, from Penwortham.
“I have researched Pat Howson’s life story, from being a young girl, to the grave, with in-depth interviews with those who knew her best,” said Andrew.
A decade after Formby’s death Pat was set to enter a Convent and become a nun, to finally escape years of turmoil and hell, after challenges to his will.
“Interviews and revelations have been undertaken with Pat Howson’s close friends, and her solicitor, who talks about her for the first time in 44 years,” said Andrew.
“Pat Howson was diagnosed with ovarian cancer – and died six weeks later,” said Andrew.
“Pat’s untold life story is one of sorrow, tears and sadness, having been thrown into the limelight through George Formby,” said Andrew.

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