Leaves & Love - Stick Insect Lover, Hobbyist & Breeder

Our Story: From Deployment to Stick Insects – How Little Troopers Made the Difference

I am a proud military wife, married to my childhood sweetheart, who is currently serving in the Royal Air Force. When he deployed overseas in 2025, our daughters were just 3 and 6 years old. Like so many military families, we suddenly had to navigate the challenges of daily life without Daddy at home.

Without the support and incredible resources provided by Little Troopers, we would have been completely lost. They gave us comfort, tools, and community at a time when we needed it most.

To help keep our girls focused and busy whilst Daddy was away, I bought some stick insect eggs, thinking they would be a fun little project. What I didn’t know was that this decision would spark something magical. As the eggs hatched and our stick babies grew, so did my unexpected passion for phasmids! They kept me busy, distracted, and surprisingly grounded on some of the hardest days of the deployment.

My girls loved watching the insects grow, and while I may now be a crazy stick insect mama, what truly kept us sane was the incredible support from Little Troopers.

With Daddy safely home (for now), I want to give back. Louise and her amazing team make such a huge difference to families like ours —helping children feel connected to their serving parents and reminding us that we are never alone.

By donating, you’re not just supporting a charity—you’re helping countless military children and families find strength, joy, and hope during the challenging time of deployment and separation.

Thank you for helping raise awareness and vital funds for Little Troopers. Together, we can make sure no family feels forgotten while their loved one is serving away.