Utterly Brilliant!

Book excerpt: ‘A vivid, beautifully written and often moving book, skilfully dovetailing memoir, history, art and a cycling pilgrimage across Europe into a unique and uplifting whole. If you think you know who Timmy Mallett is, you’re in for a rewarding surprise!’ PROFESSOR BRIAN COX 'A must read. This is a journey brimming with love and laughter that's also deeply moving. Timmy's glass isn't just half full, it's positively overflowing!' LORRAINE KELLY 'There aren't many people who would put themselves through this much to achieve their dream. Timmy has always aimed for the summit and, most importantly, remembers to smile and take time to reflect along the way.' CHRIS EVANS ‘Timmy Mallett, I still have my WAC PAC and all its contents! You’re the kind of hero who has probably influenced me more than I realize. What a lovely man!’ KEITH LEMON ‘The world is a dark and confusing place to be right now, but there are still times that make a person glad to be in it. Timmy's journey throughout this book is one of them.’ THE SECRET FOOTBALLER ‘I loved this book. It’s absolutely delightful. An adventure told in a uniquely Timmy way, full of humour and charm.’ MICHAELA STRACHAN, from the foreword In the spring of 2018, as the ‘Beast from the East’ hit northern Europe, Timmy needed every bit of his natural exuberance. He had undertaken to cycle 2,500 miles from his home to Santiago de Compostela in memory of his brother Martin, who was born with Down’s syndrome and had died just a few days earlier. This was a journey of exploration, honouring Martin’s outlook on life [RD1] that everyone can reach their potential. And so, with his painting gear strapped to his bike, Timmy (an increasingly renowned artist) set off. He was blessed by letters of support from the Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Oxford and Winchester, the then Prime Minister Theresa May, Prince William and President Macron of France. Full of unexpected moments, Timmy’s account of his pilgrimage along a route travelled by so many over the centuries weaves together history and biography in a hugely entertaining manner. It is undergirded by a touching faith and conveys, beyond all else, how important it is to live every moment of every day.