Endorsements
Denise Deegan:
“I loved reading this engrossing tale which draws you in from the start. Its unique rhythm and different strands including running and training are explained methodically so that they can be followed by anyone. This story gives a first person account of autism which works very well throughout the story. Full of humour and never dull it is also very moving at times.”
“I loved reading this engrossing tale which draws you in from the start. Its unique rhythm and different strands including running and training are explained methodically so that they can be followed by anyone. This story gives a first person account of autism which works very well throughout the story. Full of humour and never dull it is also very moving at times.”
Denise is an English novelist best known for her play ‘Daisy pulls it off’. She is based in North Wales where as well as continuing her career as a writer, she has also found time to be a member of her local Mountain Rescue Team. (More information is available on Wikipedia.)
Bill Gribble:
“A heart-warming read that shows, given the right encouragement and guidance, even the most troubled and lost young people can achieve their true potential. Society does get the children and young people it deserves. If we fail to invest appropriately at an early stage, we create casualties to society’s cost.”
“A heart-warming read that shows, given the right encouragement and guidance, even the most troubled and lost young people can achieve their true potential. Society does get the children and young people it deserves. If we fail to invest appropriately at an early stage, we create casualties to society’s cost.”
Bill was a headteacher as well as a consultant and advisor in Social, Emotional and Behavioural Disorders. He is the author of ‘In a class of your own – Managing pupils’ behaviour.
Geoff Edwards:
“It is a pleasure to accompany Tom the protagonist as he takes us through his emotional journey as an energetic teacher, who through self-preservation and personal interest, tries to develop a culture where pupils can manage their freedom in society. The ‘true to life’ incidents within the story are absorbing and amusing anecdotes surrounding all matters both in and out of the classroom.
"His tales with insightful observations and personal walking and running experiences across North Wales may well have been told before, but not with such freshness and realism. Larger-than-life characters are discovered and endearing and disarming qualities of the school children acknowledged. Through Tom’s time at Ysgol Abaty we come to know Eve, one of the students and the thread of the life journey she takes with Tom is a vital part of the story. It is told with an unapologetically realistic delivery and with emotions from all sides, which provides us with a realistic view of the school community. The ending is both a fitting and inevitable one and simply put ‘A joy and must to read’.”
Geoff was an OFSTED school inspector for over 20 years and a CDT trained specialist teacher.
Patricia Sumner:
“Running on the Spectrum is an engaging, touching and often humorous story about Tom Mallalieu who teaches at a North Wales school for pupils with special educational needs and emotional/behavioural difficulties. The story describes the relationships Tom develops with both staff and students, and the running club he establishes at the school which gives the students a sense of purpose, hope and pride. The beautiful scenery of Snowdonia and the Clwydian Hills form the backdrop to the story, and a real sense of the culture of North Wales is achieved. Though some aspects of the story are very moving, the author never strays into sentimentality. The story is told in a frank, uncomplicated and often amusing way, which is highly engaging. The author’s enthusiasm for running, for the great outdoors, for Snowdonia, for teaching and for people in general shines through in this novel. I loved it; it’s an insightful and heart-warming read.”
Pat, a former teacher, is a writer and editor living in North Wales. She has written and had published several children’s books, a collection of poetry and the educational resources ‘Creativity Through Language Book 1: How to teach fictional writing’ and ‘Creativity Through Language Book 2: How to teach informative/non-fictional writing’ (published by Lawler Education).
Finlay Wild:
“It was great to be taken back to the mountains of Snowdonia by this enjoyable read. Following some of the characters on their journey to the Welsh 3000s and beyond was an illuminating reminder of the value of exercise and mountains for all.”
Finlay is a Scottish runner and skier and is known amongst the hill-running community as a record breaker. He is the current holder of the Welsh 3000s’ record (in 4 hrs, 10 mins, 48 secs), breaking Colin Donnelly’s record held since 1988, and he has been the winner of the Ben Nevis Race every year so far since 2010, giving him ten wins more than anyone else in the history of the event. (More information is available on Wikipedia.)
Gareth Williams OBE:
“An interesting, often humorous account of life in a special school set in North Wales, from the first day in Tom’s new job to having to say goodbye to students, friends and colleagues at the end of his time there. Each chapter clearly describe the excitement, the fear and nervousness of working with children on the Spectrum. Three main themes stand out throughout the book: Trust, Relationships and Success. North Wales and Snowdonia in particular as its setting help strengthen the story. When you put all these factors together, you can expect the unexpected!”
Gareth was born in North Wales and speaks Welsh as his first language. After an initial period on the professional footballer stage, he went on to teach in various sectors of education including Pupil Referral Units. He ended his educational career as a National Leader in Education and a principal of a residential Special School in England, which under his leadership gained several outstanding OFSTED reports.
Keren Williams:
"A very interesting and well-rounded book with a very interesting and heart-warming story. It’s a very enjoyable read from start to finish."
Having gained a Masters of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing at Cardiff Metropolitan University, Keren is currently Publishing Co-ordinator at Candy Jar Books.