Author Paul Toms’ Story of Hope and Perseverance

Sloathar the Sloth: A Tale of Friendship and Perseverance

Writing Coach client, Paul Toms, may be best known as an entrepreneur in the recruitment and property sectors, but having been born with cleft lip and palate, he’s been a passionate Ambassador for charity Operation Smile since 2020. Whilst Paul was fortunate enough to be supported by the National Health Service in the UK when he was born, he appreciates that not every child has the same opportunity. Operation Smile provide life-changing care to children born with these conditions around the world and Paul wanted to support their vital work, and honour the many children born with cleft lip and cleft palate, whilst challenging himself creatively. And so, in his first foray as an author, supported by Writing Coach mentor Nikki Sheehan, he penned Sloathar the Sloth.

A story of friendship, frustration and fun, Sloathar the Sloth teaches children the universal
language of smiling. With mischievous characters and vibrant illustrations by Novel Varius , the book captures a wide range of human emotions. Aimed at children aged three to seven, Sloathar the Sloth helps the reader understand their own emotions, as well as their impact on other people. The book highlights the importance of relationship building and empathy, and the way our choices can affect our friendships.

Paul says: “Having been born in the UK with cleft lip and palate myself, I realise how lucky I am to have received the amazing care and attention from every specialist involved in my operations over the years.

Whenever I think of the challenges and emotions I faced, I never doubted that I would receive the treatments needed to help me. I can’t imagine how the children and parents must feel to be unsure of when, or indeed if, they will receive cleft operations. Relatively straight-forward operations that can change lives significantly.”

“Operation Smile is a life-changing medical charity. The vision of Bill and Kathy Magee is something I am truly inspired by and in awe of. Having met with Kathy recently, her enthusiasm and passion to help children born with cleft conditions is unlike anything I have seen. I want to help Operation Smile to bring new smiles to as many children as they can. To that end, I am delighted to have written Sloathar the Sloth and hope the book raises awareness and funds towards the great work Operation Smile does. I hope the book makes you smile and reminds you that smiling is a priceless gift that you can give to others.”

Kathy Magee, the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of Operation Smile, added: “It brings me joy
to know this book will bring happiness to those families who read it together, as well as helping
to fund more new smiles for children with cleft conditions.”

Sloathar the Sloth is available to purchase exclusively through Amazon, with all profits donated
to Operation Smile.

The Mission of Operation Smile

In a world where a smile is often taken for granted, there are millions of children who face challenges that prevent them from experiencing this simple joy. Operation Smile has been working tirelessly to change that. Founded in 1982 by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife Kathleen, a nurse and clinical social worker, Operation Smile provides free surgeries to children born with cleft lips, cleft palates, and other facial deformities. This charity has made a profound impact on countless lives, giving children not just the ability to smile, but also the chance to live healthier, happier lives.

The mission of Operation Smile is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every child born with a cleft or other facial deformities can access safe, effective, and timely surgery. For many families in low- and middle-income countries, such surgeries are financially out of reach. Operation Smile steps in to provide these life-changing procedures free of charge, transforming not only the lives of the children but also their families and communities.

The charity operates in over 60 countries, with the help of thousands of medical professionals who volunteer their time and skills. The surgeries not only repair the physical deformity but also restore confidence, improve speech, and prevent future health complications. Through their efforts, Operation Smile has provided more than 300,000 free surgeries since its inception, a testament to their dedication and the generosity of their supporters.

How You Can Help

Both Operation Smile and Paul Toms’ Sloathar the Sloth remind us that we all have the power to make a difference. Whether it’s by donating to Operation Smile, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word about their work, every action counts. Similarly, sharing the story of Sloathar the Sloth with children can help instil values of kindness and perseverance from an early age.

In a world that can sometimes seem overwhelming, stories of hope and organisations dedicated to making a positive impact are essential. Operation Smile continues to transform lives, one smile at a time, while Sloathar the Sloth teaches the next generation the importance of friendship and overcoming adversity. Together, they remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples of change, leading to brighter futures and more beautiful smiles.

What Paul had to say about working with The Writing Coach

“I have been delighted with all the help, advise and support I have received from Nikki and Jacqui at The Writing Coach.  All the way through the process I knew I had their expert knowledge to help build and maintain my confidence to write a book that I could be proud of.  Nikki helped with all aspects of the process – structure, wording, rhythm/rhyme as well as putting some great ideas forward for me to consider.

Accountability was very important for me when choosing a coach to help me with the book.  After my initial call and meeting with Jacqui she paired me with Nikki and it was a great match.  Nikki pushed me out of my comfort zone, kept me on track and was a great advisor without being too pushy.

I am delighted with the outcome.  A book that I am proud to say I wrote, with a great personal connection at the heart of it to Operation Smile.

Every purchase of the book helps Operation Smile towards creating a smile on a child, which is something I will be forever grateful to TWC for helping me to achieve.

I can’t recommend them enough.

Thank you so much.”