TAUK Publishing has proudly released The Great Swim, a heartwarming and inspiring story that has been more than seventy years in the making. Behind the book lies a remarkable true tale of friendship, perseverance, and self-belief, centred on a small yellow felt mouse named Monty. For author Chris, Monty has been a constant companion through childhood challenges, sporting triumphs, and extraordinary adventures, including English Channel swims and decades of endurance pursuits. Read the blog, written by Chris, that shares the deeply personal story behind the book, the inspiration that brought Monty to life, and the timeless messages of kindness, courage, and determination that Chris hopes will inspire readers of all ages.
This is an unusual story, perhaps fanciful, but so meaningful to me.
Seventy-seven years ago, when I was just six years old, Rosamund Jones, the teenage daughter of my mum and dad’s best friends, made a yellow felt mouse, which she gave to me as a keepsake. I called him Monty.
Over the early years, Monty kept me company during all the normal challenges of growing up and trying hard to succeed at school in both the classroom and the sporting arena. I became attached to the little chap with an enigmatic smile, and in my solitude before any major efforts, I would remind myself, while holding him in my hand, to do my best… not necessarily to win, just to do my very best. The habit has persisted for decades.
Monty has kept me company on huge swims, cycle rides and runs as well as important personal moments in my life. He is a focal point for reflection and appraisal of the tasks ahead, and although I’ve often ‘failed’, I believe that I HAVE always done my best and I have NEVER given up. Often, after a day’s labours and when I am alone, and all energy is spent, even a brief conversation with Monty seems to be in order.
Chris at the top of Col Grd St Bernard
I retired from marathon swimming three years ago after six old guys, team name ‘One foot in the Wave’ – average age seventy-seven, successfully created history when they swam in a relay across the English Channel. On our return to Dover, I stood at the stern of the boat, looking at a placid sea under a clear, starlit sky, holding Monty in my hand and reflecting on forty-six years of swimming, cycling and running in Europe, America and Canada.
‘I think that’s enough, Monty,’ I thought. ‘Time for a rest, thank you, my faithful pal.’
Over the years, I have learnt the true meaning of friendship and been the beneficiary of kindness and patience. I also came to rely on the aphorisms of the great guru Sri Chinmoy… Be brave…we are truly unlimited if we dare to try….manifest the impossible dream… and I would repeat his mantras over and over again when the going was tough.
I was inspired to write Monty’s story for the youngsters of today and tomorrow, to encourage belief in themselves, the meaning of kindness and the joy of perseverance.
The most amazing fact is that The Great Swim is a true story. On a stormy night in 1977, Monty swam the Channel for the first time, and his book is his personal account of an exhausting but ultimately thrilling and life-changing day.
Monty, as we now know and love him, has been imagined by Lisa Williams, who has created the most perfect and joyous images of our hero, as well as of the several real-life friends who helped him on his journey.
Estelle Maher at TAUK Publishing has guided this novice author with exemplary patience and expertise above and beyond the call of duty.
My dearest wish is for children to read this story, take the messages therein to heart, and hopefully put them into practice. They will find considerable happiness if they do.
If Monty were to read just one book (and he LOVES books), I would suggest he read my autobiography because it’s his autobiography too… he is on every page (and there are lots of pages!)
Monty has one final message for everyone, young and old…
‘Always be kind, believe in yourself and persevere.’
The Great Swim by Christopher Stockdale is now available on Amazon here.
