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Reviews

FROM ONE OF THE OLD YOUTH TEAM PLAYERS - JAMES DAVIES
"I'd just like to say old friend how much I appreciate this book, and you passing on a personal message to me on the first page has overwhelmed me to say the least. You are a massive influence on my life taught me discipline both on the field and in my working life. Thank you buddy x"

GREAT FRIEND AND FUND RAISER GENERAL FOR VELINDRE & MACMILLAN – WAYNE GRIFFITHS
"Good friend Richard Davies ,and fellow former pupil at Rhondda County Grammar School in Porth, has undertaken the gargantuan task of writing an autobiography and the completed product has turned out to have attracted a lot more interest than he envisaged!!
As I have mentioned in previous recent posts Richard was full of trepidation not only in embarking on this first venture as an author, but then subsequently publishing it !
I have read the book and it is an extremely well written narrative of a very diverse life ,growing up in the Rhondda, then living in a number of countries and setting out his life’s extreme highs and lows including his return to live in South Wales later in life
His comprehensive recall of life incidents and how he reacted to them is from someone who is far from afraid of confessing both his weaknesses and strengths ... in short it’s an excellent read!!!
Unfortunately Richard and I have a common life experience , namely the devastating experience of losing our respective beloved daughters.....in his case Rhiannon passed away tragically in a road traffic accident in 2008.. we both have complete empathy with each other as Dads when we speak about our losses
He is also a cancer survivor.... therefore a man of true grit !
He is also very generous because as many of you are aware he is donating 50% of all sale profits of online and paperback sales to Rhian’s Forget Me Not Fund at Velindre ... a magnificent gesture ... thank you Richard from both Velindre and us as a family"

VERY GOOD FRIEND AND OLD GELLI BOY – KEN EMERY
"My review on Amazon...if you can make it go to the talk I'm sure it will be fascinating. First the declaration of interest. I know the author. We grew up in the same village, went to the same schools, and shared many friends.
Richard was in a more sporty clique, I was with a separate group (drinking, cards and quizzing), and like all groups there was a large overlap. Treorchy RFC on Saturday nights, playing football Sunday afternoons on Cookie's field, and listening to music in the Station Cafe. I left the valleys to study in Southampton, and didn't return.
Richard embarked on a series of adventures, all dealt with in his book. Some forty plus years later we were reunited via Facebook, and it was great to take him to watch Southampton v Man City.
The book starts off with a real tear jerker. There is sadness, anger, pride and humour throughout. Richard doesn't pull any punches and his views are forcibly put. I really enjoyed the early part as it was so familiar to me.
The rest of the book was a real eye opener and I was riveted. So many interesting stories, knock downs, get back up again. Setbacks, take it on the chin and move on. South Africa, England, rugby, football, politics, all covered.
What struck me the most is how Richard coped with things that would have broken many people. The theme, if there is one, is that out of adversity, some good can arise. The pride in his children, the support of his wife clearly shine through. Richard does not ignore his mistakes, neither does he forgive and forget. At the end I was pleased to see that my old Gelli mate has not only come through, but has used tragedy to inspire him to do good things for charity.
I can't finish without mentioning his love of Manchester City. If you want to know the story, you need to buy the book, remember proceeds go to charity. Congratulations Richard this is such a readable book, and I thoroughly recommend it."

SUE HINKIN
"Sad funny amusing a brilliant book written from the heart"

DEB BUTLER
"Where to start, I laughed, cried, laughed until I cried and have driven my poor Norman mad with calls of : ‘listen to this bit, oh sorry are you doing something, oh well just quickly then let me read you this’.
He’s saying he won’t need to bloody well read it soon he’s heard most of it already !!.
Richard thank you for this fabulous insight into your world.
Oh by the way, I LOVE IT."
GARETH DAVIES
"Ever since he took me to my first job interview at a goldmine in South Africa in 1981, immediately afterwards telling me I was stupid if I took the job, Richie has never been slow to offer his opinion... but always with integrity, it’s what he feels.
Despite coming from the big city of Cardiff and not being familiar with some of the places, or local terms and traditions, that Richie talks about with such fondness, I still found this a captivating read. It’s real, gutsy, edgy in places, exactly like the guy who wrote it.
Definitely worth borrowing a tenner to buy a copy."

MARK LANYON
"Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measures with so much of how Richard describes growing up in the South Wales Valleys resonating with me. Buy the book, you won’t regret it, on the contrary you will love it and you’ll be supporting a great cause.
Well done Rich"

OLD SOUTH AFRICAN FRIEND – ATHOL TRESSIDER
"Richard, just finished your book. Bravo. Thank you for the insight into life. I mainly read biographies and I must say that this is close to the top of what I have read. Your honesty comes shining through. Obviously I really enjoyed the Pirates Club bits because I can relate to them. Hopefully when the Bokke play Wales again in Cardiff we can sit down and have an amber refreshment together. Cheers mate".

KAREN VOWLES
"Hi Rich, I have just finished reading your book and loved it. Went through lots of emotions with you and laughed out loud loads. A wonderful read, thank you. I'm sure there's more stories of your adventures with Gaynor to come, you're far too young to stop being naughty. Xx"

MICHAEL FAULL
"Brilliant book especially if you are a Rhondda lad who lived in Gelli went to Porth County school and played for Ton and Gelli Boys club. Wished you had given me those racing tips Rich. Well done butty."