When he was 15, Andy Males wrote a list of all the things he wanted to achieve in the back of his school exercise book.

The Comet: 26 Miles To The Moon, book by Andrew Males of Stevenage26 Miles To The Moon, book by Andrew Males of Stevenage (Image: Archant)

Included in that ambitious the list was ‘to become a successful author of stories’ – and now he is just £140 – or 14 pledges – away from making his dream a reality.

Andy, who lives in Stevenage Old Town, has written debut novel 26 Miles to the Moon, which will be published if he can find 250 people to sign up in advance to buy a printed copy.

The 43-year-old signed up to the Britain’s Next Bestseller crowdfunding website for budding authors in October and so far 238 people have pledged their support.

But he has to hit his target of 250 within a 14 week window – which ends tomorrow.

Andrew said: “I have promoted it as far and wide as possible using social media and now I just need the last few pledges. I am now just 25 away from fulfilling my dream of getting a book published.”

His light-hearted novel centres on John, who enters the New York Marathon with his eyes on an out of this world prize – the first person to cross the finishing line wins a trip to space.

To buy a copy visit the www.britainsnextbestseller.co.uk website and search using Andrew’s surname.

The book costs £9.99 plus postage and packaging.