New children's book, Hero Harry, celebrates D-Day veteran and supports the Taxi Charity
- taxicharity
- 16 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A new children’s book inspired by the life of a 101-year-old D-Day veteran is now available to pre-order, with all proceeds supporting the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
Hero Harry tells the true story of World War II soldier Harry Archer, who stormed Gold Beach during the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France in 1944. His courage, kindness and lifelong sense of duty deeply moved young siblings Alfred and Lilly Mawson, moving them to capture his story in a book for children.
Inspired by Alfred Mawson, seven, written by his mum Grace and illustrated by his sister Lilly, 15, Hero Harry seeks to introduce younger generations to the bravery and sacrifices of the dwindling number of men and women who served during World War II.
Alfred, from Ruskington, Lincolnshire, said: "Harry told me all about his time during the war. I wanted to make a book so children can learn about him and other veterans. All of them are really brave and really kind. They helped us."
Lilly Mawson said: "Harry has become an important part of our lives. I was really happy to be part of keeping his story alive."
In June, Alfred, accompanied by his father Danny, a former British Army paratrooper and now a reservist, travelled to the very beach Harry landed on eight decades earlier. There, he met D-Day heroes on their annual pilgrimage to Normandy with the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
Grace, Alfred’s mother, who previously served as a Combat Medical Technician with the Royal Army Medical Corps, said: "Alfred is old beyond his years, and even at seven he appreciates the sacrifices veterans like Harry made. In his mind they are all heroes and of course he is absolutely right. This was Alfred’s idea from the start, and we couldn’t be more proud of him and Lilly."
Alfred is no stranger to honouring veterans through action. In September, at just six years old, he travelled to the Netherlands and completed the final mile of his 100-mile fundraising challenge during the Airborne Wandeltocht, the world’s largest one-day commemorative walk. He had set a target to raise £250 for veterans which he smashed, raising over £4,000.
Hero Harry is now available to pre-order. By purchasing the book, supporters not only share Harry’s remarkable story with the next generation but also help the Taxi Charity continue its vital work.
