On a shelf in the toy warehouse, a cuddly, furry, lonely bear waits until night falls and the lights go out. When everyone goes home, the bear and his toy friends get up to play and lark around!

They are all waiting for the terrifying grabber that will pluck them from the shelf, drop them into a basket and take them to a new life.

When his turn comes, the little bear is afraid – he worries about where his new life will lead. Will it be with a kind boy or girl?

Join this charming little bear on his amazing adventure as W. C. A. B.

Richard was born in Birmingham in 1958 and owns his own successful soft furnishing and upholstery business. An avid photographer, it was his skill at aerial photography that drew the attention of staff at RAF Valley in Anglesey.

Over the years, Richard formed a close bond with the aviation team, providing stunning photographs of jets in action through the Welsh mountains and further abroad. The trust, respect and relationship with members of the RAF team grew and Richard involved himself in their fundraising and promotional activities.

Tragically, in April 2013 Richard’s son Andrew committed suicide.

This devastating loss was compounded by the silence which surrounds the issue of suicide and the taboo of male mental health. Whilst trying to cope with his own grief, Richard became acutely aware of how poor mental health affects members of the Armed Forces, with RAF crew talking about their struggles with depression, anxiety and suicide.

Richard started to think of a creative way in which he could change people’s perceptions, challenge misconceptions and bring this subject to wider public attention. It would be a fitting legacy for Andrew… and this is where the idea of a book was born.

Richard has a bear which is the Station Mascot for RAF Valley and travels the globe with the RAF pilots. The bear has its own log book and photographic record. And so Richard decided to re-name the bear in memory of his son: Wing Commander Andrew Bland or W.C.A.B. for short!

This series of charming short stories is based upon this adorable bear’s adventures in the skies and explores emotions and feelings associated with anxiety, fear and low mood.

The book has been privately funded and sale proceeds will be donated to charity.

Richard lives with his wife Sue, their children and grandchildren in Staffordshire.

Read the Advance Information sheet for AB Gets His Wings here.

Take a look at this article from the RAF News about Richard and the book here.

Read this article about the book from the North Wales Chronicle here.

Read about Richard's visit to the Children 1st Nursery at Meir Park in this article.

Have a look at this article about the book's launch in RAF News here.