Helen Skelton - In My Stride: Lessons learned through life and adventure

Helen Skelton is no stranger to doing hard things, from kayaking the entire length of the Amazon to competing in a boxing match for Sports Relief. Her ability to dig deep and find the inner strength to carry on no matter the challenge – physical, mental, or emotional – is nothing short of remarkable. Helen grew up on a farm in Cumbria and credits her deep connection with nature and family for grounding her throughout the experiences in her life.

'In My Stride' explores the lessons Helen has learned through life and adventure, sharing how getting out in nature can help us heal, grow, and find the resilience to move through challenging times in our lives. It tells stories of finding confidence, authenticity, courage, resilience, acceptance, community, and freedom against the backdrop of life’s peaks and troughs and through the power of the natural world.

Helen shows us how putting one foot in front of the other – whether that’s on the Strictly dance floor or in the great outdoors – can help us to journey back to ourselves.

Helen’s book 'In Her Stride' will be available to purchase at the Festival book store over the Festival weekend.

There will be a book signing straight after the event.

Published by Headline. 

About the Author

Helen Skelton began her career presenting iconic children's shows Newsround and Blue Peter, where she took on some incredible challenges such as the Namibia Ultra Marathon, cycling to the South Pole, and kayaking over 2,000 miles down the Amazon River.

Helen has gone on to present shows of varying focus, from Countryfile, On The Farm and Holiday Hit Squad to the Rugby Super League, Olympics and FA Women's Super League. She is a regular guest presenter on ITV Tonight, Lorraine and Steph's Packed Lunch. 

In 2022, Helen reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing, and the following year took part in the Strictly Come Dancing Tour 2023. She lives in Cumbria with her three children.