This is the story of a journey. Many journeys in fact. The voyage of a boy born to a working class family in Bolton, Lancashire and one of the first Beveridge boys after the second world war. It is an autobiographical account of his attempt to make a difference for millions of people throughout his working life through his books translated into the world’s major languages, his travels through more than 40 countries, his management of major projects for global organisations and his influence on the world of education. He still writes poems, music and books. He is still learning in his 80s.

It is also the story of a girl, similarly born into the working class in the same town, who defied her upbringing to become a first rate midwife and neurological hospital sister, and who still, in her 80s, works for a cancer charity. She is still contributing and learning.

Together they travelled the world. Together they made a difference.