I'm Tim...
As you already know, I'm Tim Sturla, and my life is a blend of my enduring passion for rallying, running and the profound love I share with my family. Historic rallying is an adventure that I have been able to share with my son, David, developing a special connection between us. My wife, Allie, adds melodious harmony to our lives through her singing, and her dedication to 'The Mabel Series', a collection of books nurturing understanding and empathy in children, is a shared commitment. Together, we're a family fuelled by shared adventures, music, theatre and the power of storytelling.
Allie - The Author, Singer and Teacher
My wife, Allie, is a remarkable individual who brings the magic of music into our lives. Her enchanting voice fills our home, and she's not just a singer; she's a self taught pianist. Before joining me in the world of Inside Tracks, she was a primary school teacher. Her stories, songs like "The Penguin Song," and her special connection with the children have left a lasting impact on many young lives. Recently, Allie turned her hand to writing and has produced three children's books focussed on helping young people to understand mental health. Her experiences in the world of education have inspired the books - 'The Mabel Series'. She also works as a supply teacher, driven by the desire to continue nurturing young minds.
David - The Performer
Our son, David, is a young man of many talents and passions. He's inherited my love of cars and has navigated for me, but is desperate to drive - which is fine by me - as I prefer doing the navigating!
David has a deep passion for theatre and singing. He is currently appearing in the junior chorus of a professional production of a Lloyd Webber musical. David won a Leicestershire-based singing competition last year, has been composing his own music and even conducting his school house team. His performances on the stage are nothing short of spectacular, and he draws inspiration from his mum, Allie, who is also a gifted singer. Their shared love for music has created a beautiful bond between mother and son.
Katie - Theatre Enthusiast No.2!
Katie, our daughter, is a vibrant and spirited young lady who lights up our lives with her enthusiasm. Katie is an aspiring actress and singer, just like her mum and brother. She's deeply involved in two amateur theatre clubs in Loughborough - Starlight and Act1. At Starlight she appeared in School of Rock earlier this year and will be in The Addams Family next year. At Act1 Katie has performed in Aladdin and Popstars and will star in Bring It On next May. Additionally, Katie is performing in Loughborough Operatic Society's production of The Wizard of Oz at Loughborough Town Hall next year.
Our Four-Legged Friends
Our family wouldn't be complete without our three cats - Tabitha, Ginger, and Lucy. They bring a sense of playfulness and warmth into our home. We also have a little superstar named Mabel, a miniature Dachshund, who holds a special place in our hearts. Mabel's boundless energy and affection add an extra layer of love and joy to our family.
More about Allie's Books...
The Mabel Series: Exploring Complex Emotions
Allie's return to teaching and her longing for the world of storytelling led to the creation of "The Mabel Series." These books offer a gentle approach to exploring complex emotions such as depression, anxiety, and self-harm in a manner that children can relate to. Through the heartwarming stories of Mabel and her family, the series aims to nurture empathy, understanding, and open conversations among young readers.
These books provide children with the tools to navigate their own feelings and offer support to their friends. We believe that by fostering understanding from a young age, we can contribute to the goal of ensuring no child or young person faces a mental health problem alone.
Explaining Mental Health to Children
In a world where the importance of nurturing emotional well-being in children has never been clearer, Allie's work has been a labor of love and compassion. Her journey as an author with a teaching background reflects her commitment to helping children understand and navigate the complex world of mental health.
The Mabel Series is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to create a comfortable and relatable setting for children to explore their emotions. Allie's approach includes age-appropriate language, relatable characters, and encouraging questions to foster open communication.
Her work has a simple yet profound goal - to pave the way for happier and healthier lives for children, one story at a time.
Mabel Finds Her Happy: In this book, we address the topic of depression, allowing young readers to better understand this mental health condition and how it affects individuals.
Mabel Meets Her Worry Beans: Anxiety is a common challenge, even for children. This book introduces the concept of anxiety and offers gentle strategies for coping with worries.
Mabel Helps a Friend: This book addresses the sensitive issue of self-harm, fostering empathy and understanding among children while encouraging open dialogue.
Join Us on the Journey
We invite you to explore The Mabel Series and join us in these important conversations about emotions and well-being for children. It's never too early to start these discussions and build a foundation of emotional well-being.
Together, we can create a brighter, more compassionate future where children grow up understanding and valuing their mental health.
We are a vibrant blend of passions & a deep commitment to understanding & empathy
Rally car co-driving has forged unbreakable bonds, especially with my son, David, while Allie's melodious voice and her work with The Mabel Series have enriched our lives. David and Katie, our dynamic duo, embody adventure and creativity.