Tawny Owl Wood Joins Blesma Charity Event to Celebrate Resilience, Inclusion, and Storytelling

Community, Courage, and Kindness: Tawny Owl Wood at the Blesma Charity Event

There are moments in life where the world seems to pause and remind us of what truly matters. For us at Tawny Owl Wood, one such moment came at a recent charity event where we had the privilege of standing shoulder to shoulder with some of the most resilient, inspiring, and generous-hearted individuals we’ve ever met. Under bright blue skies, surrounded by fields, laughter, and the gentle hum of shared purpose, we attended a gathering that will stay with us for a very long time.

This wasn’t just another event. It was a celebration of courage, of community, of the unshakable bonds formed through adversity and healing. Hosted in support of Blesma – The Limbless Veterans, the event brought together a wide and warm-hearted group of people: veterans, families, supporters, artists, volunteers, and changemakers. And we were honoured to be part of it.

A Heartfelt Presentation

One of the most special moments of the day for us was the opportunity to present Mike with our new chapter book The Unexpected Guest. Mike is not only a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor and a lifetime of wisdom in his eyes—he’s also been part of our inspiration for bringing The Unexpected Guest into the hands of readers in a new format.

As we handed over the beautifully illustrated chapter books, it felt symbolic. These stories, rooted in kindness and inclusion, now belonged to a community that understands those values in a very real way. Mike’s smile said everything. This wasn’t just a gift—it was a bridge between our creative world and the lived experiences of people who have overcome so much.

Seeing the sparkle in his eyes, hearing his stories, and watching him connect with our work was humbling. We write books with the hope that they resonate—but seeing that resonance happen in real time, with someone who has lived such a full and challenging life, was a powerful affirmation.

Meeting Blesma – A Charity Rooted in Respect

The event was organised in support of Blesma, a UK-based charity that supports veterans who have lost limbs or the use of limbs or eyes. From our very first encounter with the Blesma team, it was clear that they do so much more than offer assistance—they build lasting communities, empower individuals, and advocate for independence, dignity, and purpose.

Standing under the Blesma marquee with our display of Tawny Owl Wood books, we had countless conversations with people whose lives have been touched by the charity. The stories we heard were sobering and uplifting in equal measure. Tales of bravery and recovery, of loss and laughter, of rebuilding life after injury—all woven with a thread of relentless hope.

We were especially moved by the stories of people who had rediscovered passions through the charity’s support: people who had taken up painting, adaptive sports, writing, gardening, mentoring. The creativity and resilience on display was breathtaking. And the warmth—so much warmth. Hugs, jokes, deep chats, and shared tea. We left feeling we had gained not only allies in purpose but real friends.

Community That Inspires

It’s often said that inspiration is everywhere if you know where to look. On this day, we didn’t have to look far. It was in every handshake, every laugh, every shared memory.

One of the most memorable aspects of the day was the sheer range of people who came together. Veterans of different generations stood side by side. Some had visible injuries, others spoke quietly of the battles they faced inside. There were children, friends, and people from all walks of life, connected by shared values of resilience and inclusion.

And at the heart of it all was a simple truth: that community heals. That sharing our stories, our time, our creativity—these are the things that make life not just bearable but beautiful.

Each story added a thread to the rich tapestry of the day. It was humbling to realise how many lives are lived so fully, so bravely, often quietly, behind the scenes of mainstream attention.

Time and again, parents, carers, and veterans stopped to browse, ask questions, and read snippets aloud. Some recognised themes of belonging and inclusion from their own lives. Others bought copies for grandchildren or friends, commenting on the need for stories that represent difference with gentleness and dignity.

It’s always a privilege to see our stories living out in the world, creating new connections and conversations.

For us, being able to talk about the thinking behind our stories—the importance of representation, kindness, and the magic of nature—in a setting like this was deeply affirming. These weren’t just children’s books on a table. They were a way to say, “You matter. Your story matters. There’s a place for you here.”

Reflections on the Day

As the sun began to dip and the flags fluttered in the breeze—we took a moment to step back and soak it all in. The laughter, the stories, the heartfelt conversations. The kindness.

Events like this remind us why we do what we do. Why we write stories about fairies and difference. Why we attend events and listen. Why we connect books with real people, in real communities, where stories can do their deepest work.

They remind us that healing and imagination are not opposites, but partners. That storytelling is a powerful tool in the journey of recovery and identity. And that by placing diverse characters at the heart of our stories, we can create not only mirrors for some readers but windows for others—windows that invite understanding, compassion, and change.

A Thank You from Tawny Owl Wood

To everyone we met that day—thank you. Thank you for your courage, your stories, your time, and your warmth. Thank you for letting us be part of a community built on strength and kindness.

To Blesma, we’re honoured to have shared a space with you. The work you do is life-changing, and we hope to find ways to support and collaborate more in the future.

And to Mike, who now holds the chapter he inspired, The Unexpected Guest in his hands—we hope it brings joy, reflection, and a sense of connection. Your story, like the stories in our books, is one of resilience and belonging. Thank you for letting us share that moment with you. 10 % of every thing sold to do with The Unexpected Guest will go to Blesma.

Tawny Owl Wood Children’s Books exists to tell inclusive, nature-rooted stories that speak to children and adults alike. But beyond the pages, we are always looking to meet the real-world readers who inspire our work. This event reminded us that books can be more than stories—they can be bridges, companions, and gentle nudges toward hope.

We look forward to many more moments like this, and to continuing our journey with hearts wide open.

If you would like to have a story written to help bridge a tough conversation, then get in touch with Louise today.