Description
Book SynopsisThis is the true story of how a ten-year-old's charity challenge led through young philanthropy to a calling in medicine. Recalled by the girl as a young woman, it is a light-hearted but poignant memoir of parent-child journey, set amid the cultural and natural heritage of a beautiful part of the world. May gives a moving account of a trek prompted initially by bereavement. Clashes of attitudes and interests give the dialogue a playful vein; but as the miles go by, often with no other person in sight, father and daughter find new depths of conversation. Relics of war prompt her to ask of past generations, whose legacies he tries to convey; and as she reconnects him with childhood, its innocence and imagination, both see their worlds from new perspectives. Having made front-page news their venture bears lasting fruit. She raises enough for a permanent endowment providing grants from its income, giving her a role in selecting local charities, and allowing her to see their work at first hand. As a budding musician she gains insight into the therapy that music can bring, and while still at school she becomes a recorded composer; meanwhile, seeing different forms of disability and treatment, she learns what fulfilment can be gained from making a difference. Warmly received as an enchanting and inspirational story, ‘Fifty Miles with my Dad' is a celebration of quality time and of rewards from philanthropy that are open to all.
Trade ReviewThis is an enchanting book that any parent will relate to. Full of wise observations on life as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old child. Delightful and moving. MIRANDA AND WILLIAM KENDALL DL; This moving story is living proof of how philanthropy is open to everyone and of how even a child's walk on the coast with a parent can turn into such a seismic inspiration. DAVID SHEEPSHANKS CBE DL, FORMER CHAIRMAN, SUFFOLK AND UK COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS; This will be an inspirational read for anyone wondering about how to encourage a spirit of giving in young people, for anyone embarking on their own philanthropic journey and for anyone interested in working with their local Community Foundation. THERESA LLOYD, FOUNDER DIRECTOR, PHILANTHROPY UK; AUTHOR (WITH DR. BETH BREEZE), 'RICHER LIVES'; May's touching book provides an insight into the special nature of this beautiful part of the world. The East Coast is rich in culture and heritage, and it is heart-warming to have these qualities portrayed so personally and in aid of such an important cause. ROGER WRIGHT CBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SNAPE MALTINGS; A smashing read evoking the special nature of this stretch of our coastline. ADAM BURROWS, NATURAL ENGLAND; A fantastic celebration of a journey along the Suffolk coast, sharing the best of all that binds us inextricably to the natural world through the lens of intergenerational discovery. MICHAEL STRAND, SUFFOLK WILDLIFE TRUST; This beautiful and deeply personal account of ten-year-old May's journey along our incomparable Suffolk coast challenges us to rediscover the wisdom of childhood, the difference between achievement and fulfilment, and whether we are 'soldier, poet, or soldier-poet.' Reminding us of the life-changing power of music, May recalls the parts music played in her walk. Above all, she invites us to make that journey ourselves, a 'sort of treasure hunt without any clues,' asking: "so what are you going to do?" PHILIP SHAW OBE, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES, THE CHORAL FOUNDATION FOR ST MARY-LE-TOUR CHURCH, IPSWICH; FORMER DIRECTOR, SUFFOLK YOUTH ORCHESTRA; A lovely insight into a very beautiful part of the world, rich in culture and heritage. JO HENRY, BOOKBRUNCH; This is a lovely portrait of a very special part of the world and a hugely inspirational story. EDWARD CREASY, 2021/22 HIGH SHERIFF OF SUFFOLK; It has been a privilege to be a part of May's journey. This moving story will provide an inspiration for many people from all walks of life. STEPHEN SINGLETON MBE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SUFFOLK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION.
