Christian Lewis, a former paratrooper, had hit rock bottom, facing eviction and losing his daughter, he shut himself away in his bedroom for weeks. The day his daughter left he went down to Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula to do some surfing - his only respite. He looked out along the beautiful coastline of south Wales and realised this was the only place he really wanted to be. There and then he impulsively set himself a challenge - walk the entire coastline of the UK. In the next few days he rustled up a tent and walking boots, and with just £10 and two days worth of food he left. Little did he know what lay ahead of him - mountains, dangerous peat bogs, savage weather, the kindness of strangers, and adopting a dog named Jet.
But it was an uninhabited island called Hidasay that re-kindled his pride and respect. Happiness and hope were on the horizon.
Christian’s goal was to raise £100,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. To date he has raised over £500,000.
I really enjoyed this. At times I was exasperated with him. He is a very proud man and wouldn’t ask for help, he didn’t even sign on for unemployment benefit. He suffered broken tents, leaking boots and frost bitten toes. But no matter how many hardships he endured his beloved dog Jet was always well fed and cared for. I was a bit concerned about her skinny legs on some of the terrain, but she was ok. I've since seen a documentary about his next walk with his wife and child, and Jet was fine.
Christian Lewis is a hero.
∼ Happy Reading∼
Polly x
That sounds well worth reading, Polly. Triumph over despair is something to which we can all relate.
ReplyDeleteIt is Janice.
DeleteHi Polly, this looks like a really good book! Not trying to sound sexist or anything, but men can be difficult in that they don't want to reach out for help, in any way! I am divorced (since 1998), but I was married for 15 years and my then husband wouldn't even ask for directions if and when he needed it. I appreciate you sharing about this book, thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean Linda, I think some men are too proud to ask for help.
DeleteI always enjoy the reading recommendations of other bloggers, Polly, and thank you for sharing this story. Although, I may not read this book, I will check online to read about the author's walk. Sadly, I just read that Jet passed away after being back home.
ReplyDeleteOh that is very sad news. He loved her so much, she helped him to persevere the hardships.
DeleteVery inspiring!
ReplyDeleteIt is Debra
DeleteTHis sounds very inspiring. Thanks for the recommendation, Polly!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Jeanie
DeleteSounds as though I'd enjoy this book, so may place a reserve on it at my library.
ReplyDeleteI hope you do Chris.
DeleteJust recently, I watched a news piece on the BBS about this man, his walk and the dog he adopted. I did not know he had written a book, but not surprising.
ReplyDeleteHello Beatrice, he has written a second one - Hildasay To Home.
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