One Step in a Poppy Field: The Inspirational Story of Lance Corporal Cayle Royce MBE

A mother's powerful premonition is confirmed when her son is deployed in Afghanistan and loses both of his legs and multiple other injuries. Despite the odds, he survives and begins to test the limits of his new capabilities. 18 months after his injury, he rowed across the Atlantic Ocean as part of a team of four servicemen. The book is a message of how love and hope can overcome adversity and inspire readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Amidst the vast expanse of distance that separated her from her son, who was deployed in the poppy fields of Afghanistan, a haunting premonition relentlessly echoed through her mind, leaving her heart shattered and her world in disarray. The confirmation of her worst fears came in the form of a knock on the door from two faceless strangers, bearing the devastating news that her son had tragically stepped on an improvised explosive device, losing both of his legs and enduring a multitude of other injuries, including the partial amputation of all the fingers of his left hand. For 48 agonizing days, she stood by his bedside, her prayers intermingling with her unwavering determination, willing him to defy the odds and survive the harrowing ordeal.

Against all the odds, her son defied the grim prognosis, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before. In a remarkable testament to his indomitable spirit, he embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery and self-discovery. With unwavering support from his family and friends, he courageously confronted the daunting challenges that lay ahead, pushing the boundaries of his newfound capabilities and embarking on a series of physical triumphs.

Just 18 months after his injury, and as part of a team of four servicemen, he accomplished an awe-inspiring feat—rowing across the vast Atlantic Ocean. The journey was a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering resolve, a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

The genesis of this extraordinary story lies in the diary that she kept during her son's medical induced coma. It is a poignant portrayal of a mother's love and unwavering support, a testament to the resilience of the human soul. This book is not about war or Afghanistan; rather, it is a powerful message of hope and love, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the power of these two emotions can ignite a flame of transformation and ignite a spark of inspiration in the hearts of others.

If even just one reader finds solace, strength, or inspiration in the pages of this book, then the author's mission will be fulfilled. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect hearts and minds, to bridge the gaps between different cultures and backgrounds, and to remind us of the shared humanity that binds us all. This story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the unwavering resilience of the human heart.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399057363