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Fresh from completing his incredible six-year walk, Christian Lewis joins us on stage to share his beautiful true story of survival, of how he walked 19,000 miles along the coast of Britain – his dog Jet in tow – and found a different way to live.
Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis had hit rock bottom, suffering from depression so severe he would shut himself in his bedroom for weeks. 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 a tenner in his pocket and two days’ worth of food. Little did he know at the time just how long it would take to cross the finish line – and the encounters lying ahead would turn his life around.
Christian’s search for self-discovery, and to raise awareness and funds for the veterans charity SSAFA, would become a journey beyond his or anyone’s expectations. From raising over a quarter of a million pounds to finding love with fellow adventurer, Kate, he had no idea that when he started this once-in-a-life-time experience he would be crossing the finish line (some five-and-a-half years later) with a fiancee, a baby and renewed sense of purpose. His story is one of survival and hope, but it’s also proof that anything is possible.
Christian's book, the Sunday Times Bestseller 'Finding Hildasay' 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 Pan Macmillan.
Reviews
“The word ‘inspiration’ is often overused; Chris really is an inspiration. I urge you to read his tale” - Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
“Exhilarating” - Observer
“The real journey here is one of self-discovery” - Mail on Sunday
About Christian Lewis
On 1 August 2017, former paratrooper Christian Lewis set off from Swansea to walk the entire coastline of the UK. Finding Hildasay is Christian’s first book about his journey, which has already received worldwide attention, a BAFTA-nominated documentary and more.
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