Sibling story

Sometimes I am asked to put together a book about a married couple. It can be challenging to interweave the stories of two lives in one book. When I was asked to put together a book about four siblings, I knew that it would be one of my biggest writing challenges yet. But when I met the Gifford family, whose tale is told in a book called Runaway Horses, I realised that the hard work would be worth it. The story of Nancy, Sybil, Godfrey and Stanley Gifford proved to be a fascinating journey through the last century. Deeply rooted in the local history of Grimsby and spanning the difficult war years, this seemingly ordinary family's story was, I discovered, one of heroism and stoicism.

Sybil, at the age of 13, was sent away from the bombing to live with strangers in Canada. Her older sister Nancy was left to carry out war work while her husband served in the forces. Brothers Godfrey and Stanley both served in the Royal Navy during the war while they were still teenagers. Boy sailor Godfrey, at just 17, was on HMS Fiji, which was sunk during the Battle of Crete in 1941. Many young sailors lost their lives during those terrible days and Godfrey never forgot the pals who did not make it home. You can read a chapter from this book on my website.

There are many stories about this period that remain untold. If you remember the war why not write down your memories? Nick Cutsforth, Nancy's Gifford's son, did not regret the decision to have his book written. Here's what he had to say when it was finished:

"We never ever thought that we could get such a superbly detailed and presented book—it is without doubt down to your skills and we are deeply indebted to you for everything that you have done."

If you need help with the writing or editing of your war story, why not get in touch? I may be able to help you too.