
I’ve been fortunate enough to be on my boat and in my berth at the time Allan Sparkes docked next to me quite a while ago after returning from the UK with his family on a Hanse 470. Talking to him about his adventures sailing across the Atlantic, going through the Panama Canal and then heading across the Pacific back to Australia was enough for me to appreciate the calibre of the man and his family. However, little did I know that I was talking to a real hero and not just an exceptional seaman.
When I saw the book, I had to have a copy!
The Cost of Bravery is not just an exceptional good read, it also opens one’s eyes to the plight, dedication and bravery of our police force that watch over us while we do the things we take for granted in safety and in peace.
I highly recommend it!
Please see below the official announcement of this great publication.
THE COST OF BRAVERY
He put his life on the line to save others, but struggled to save himself Allan Sparkes rrp $29.90
'Sincere. Courageous. Motivating. Entertaining. Just some of the words to describe Allan Sparkes, his remarkable journey and extraordinary story.' (Jonathan Harley, Supervising Producer - 60 Minutes)
Allan Sparkes was the first Australian police officer to be awarded Australia's highest decoration for bravery, the Cross of Valour. He had no idea however that his rescue of a boy from a flooded storm water system would culminate in the end of his police career and leave his life hanging in the balance.
The Cost of Bravery is a brutally frank and honest account of what happened to Allan after he saved young Jais life. It is a valuable insight into the debilitating mental illness of post traumatic stress disorder, in Allans case caused by 20 years of exposure to the unimaginable horrors and trauma of police work. It is also a love story of the incredible relationship Allan shares with his wife and children that was tested in ways that few could ever contemplate.
Allans recovery was over a decade long roller coaster of disappointment and achievement as he rebuilt his mind, body and soul. After an emotional journey to hell and back, it was a physical journey sailing with his family 16,000 nautical miles from England to Australia that made Allan feel like the man he once was again.
Everyone can relate on some level to Allan's raw, emotional and at times funny story that is written with honesty and humility. It is hard not to be inspired by the courage and determination of this man and the support his loving family.
www.allansparkes.com
Allan Sparkes was an innocent country boy when he joined the police force. For 20 years he was a front line cop, working in Kings Cross, crime squads and the north coast, and was presented with some of the highest police awards for bravery and service. When Allan's police career ended, he set out to rebuild his life. He has now found his calling, inspiring people
with his story of personal triumph over adversity. Allan aims to help those who are suffering and those who are trying to support them.
He inspires people not to give up, but rather to search for the opportunities that change presents. Allan is a volunteer for the Beyond Blue Voices program, The Starlight Foundation and Spinal Cure. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two daughters.
also available as ebooks from
amazon.com, apple iBookstore, Google e-books, Kobo, ReadCloud and Booki.sh.
For further information please contact Heidi McCourt, Publicist, Penguin Group (Australia) on 02 8204 3316 or heidi.mccourt@au.penguingroup.com
When I saw the book, I had to have a copy!
The Cost of Bravery is not just an exceptional good read, it also opens one’s eyes to the plight, dedication and bravery of our police force that watch over us while we do the things we take for granted in safety and in peace.
I highly recommend it!
Please see below the official announcement of this great publication.
THE COST OF BRAVERY
He put his life on the line to save others, but struggled to save himself Allan Sparkes rrp $29.90
'Sincere. Courageous. Motivating. Entertaining. Just some of the words to describe Allan Sparkes, his remarkable journey and extraordinary story.' (Jonathan Harley, Supervising Producer - 60 Minutes)
Allan Sparkes was the first Australian police officer to be awarded Australia's highest decoration for bravery, the Cross of Valour. He had no idea however that his rescue of a boy from a flooded storm water system would culminate in the end of his police career and leave his life hanging in the balance.
The Cost of Bravery is a brutally frank and honest account of what happened to Allan after he saved young Jais life. It is a valuable insight into the debilitating mental illness of post traumatic stress disorder, in Allans case caused by 20 years of exposure to the unimaginable horrors and trauma of police work. It is also a love story of the incredible relationship Allan shares with his wife and children that was tested in ways that few could ever contemplate.
Allans recovery was over a decade long roller coaster of disappointment and achievement as he rebuilt his mind, body and soul. After an emotional journey to hell and back, it was a physical journey sailing with his family 16,000 nautical miles from England to Australia that made Allan feel like the man he once was again.
Everyone can relate on some level to Allan's raw, emotional and at times funny story that is written with honesty and humility. It is hard not to be inspired by the courage and determination of this man and the support his loving family.
www.allansparkes.com
Allan Sparkes was an innocent country boy when he joined the police force. For 20 years he was a front line cop, working in Kings Cross, crime squads and the north coast, and was presented with some of the highest police awards for bravery and service. When Allan's police career ended, he set out to rebuild his life. He has now found his calling, inspiring people
with his story of personal triumph over adversity. Allan aims to help those who are suffering and those who are trying to support them.
He inspires people not to give up, but rather to search for the opportunities that change presents. Allan is a volunteer for the Beyond Blue Voices program, The Starlight Foundation and Spinal Cure. He lives in Sydney with his wife and two daughters.
also available as ebooks from
amazon.com, apple iBookstore, Google e-books, Kobo, ReadCloud and Booki.sh.
For further information please contact Heidi McCourt, Publicist, Penguin Group (Australia) on 02 8204 3316 or heidi.mccourt@au.penguingroup.com