Finding Hildasay is Christian Lewis's brutal but beautiful true story of survival, walking the coast of Britain - his dog Jet in tow - and finding a different way to live.
We're delighted to welcome Christian into the shop for a very special signing event on 6 August as he makes his way home towards Swansea. This is a unique opportunity to meet the much-loved adventurer turned author and have your book personally signed and dedicated.
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Welsh Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis had hit rock bottom, suffering with depression so severe he would shut himself in his bedroom for weeks. Then while surfing - his sole respite - he cast his eyes along the coastline and realised it was the only place he really wanted to be. Then, Chris made an impulsive decision.
He set himself a challenge: to walk the entire coastline of the UK. He gave himself a few days to rustle up a tent and walking boots, then left for good with just £10 in his pocket and two days' worth of food. Chris set off from Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula in August 2017, little did he know at the time just how long it would take to cross the finish line - and that the encounters lying ahead would turn his life around.
Chris has navigated the West Coast, Northern Ireland, the hard-rock cliffs of Scotland and the perimeters of the Scottish Islands. When the Covid pandemic hit he was on an uninhabited island called Hildasay, with beloved dog Jet - he was to stay on Hildasay for three months. It was there, the most barren his route had become, that he found within himself the pride and respect he needed - and his journey became all the more remarkable. Happiness and hope were just around the corner...
Six years later, Chris is now on the homeward leg of his journey, walking along the costal path of South Wales with his partner and young baby, back towards Llangennith. Finding Hildasay, which documents the first half of his epic journey, is now a Sunday Times Bestseller and includes a foreword from long-time supporter Ben Fogle. He is now working on a follow-up.
This is a ticketed event and places are strictly limited. Pre-booking is advised.
Sunday 6 August | 2.00 - 4.00 pm
at Griffin Books, 9A Windsor Road, Penarth
Tickets: £17.00 includes a signed and personally dedicated copy of Finding Hildasay (RRP £16.99, hardback) and access to the signing.