What an uplifting feature in the press over the weekend.  Relative Values featured the author of The War Horse – Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare talk about their life and work on their Farms for City Children which they set-up over 45 years ago.  The idea was to bring children who live in cities to their farm and experience life – where their food comes from, looking after animals etc.  Over 100,000 children have now spent a week at their farm experiencing a different life to take back to empower them with ideas of different paths they can take.

 

Magical for me was reading how Michael got the idea for War Horse.  A child called Billy was visiting their farm and had trouble speaking.  One night Michael saw Billy had crept out and was stroking one of the horses.  Even more powerful was Billy talking excitedly to the horse and the horse seeming to patiently listen.  A bond was struck up and an idea for War Horse was born.

 

The power of animals and people is long known.  The impact on health and wellbeing is hugely valuable.  I had no idea this author and his wife had changed so many lives over the past 45 years without awards and accolades.  They do it because it’s the right thing to do.

 

How wonderful is that?