The following is a compilation of some of the comments received from readers to date. Most are from Ireland and the UK, but I have also received comments from Germany, USA, Canada, and even New Zealand, so the book is beginning to travel.
He was of North African origin and he said my recollection of anti-Irish discrimination resonated with him because he suffered from discrimination as a child and as a teenager. He worked hard to prove himself and eventually wound up as the Global Business Development Manager in a multinational company.
When people discriminate against others whom they deem inferior, they usually underestimate their victims, and in many cases they motivate their victims to work harder to achieve success and prove their perpetrators wrong. I was certainly motivated to work hard to overcome prejudices or false assumptions about my potential or my ability.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 July 2024
In this book, Pat Ward shows us how you can beat the odds and become a happy, successful and loved individual despite his tragic childhood. The read is initially heart breaking but then we learn that a boy whose maternal love was taken from him at three years age manages to preserver and hold his head up high. This book can be used as a tool for anyone who has suffered childhood trauma. For me, the book has thought me how lucky I have been and to appreciate my good fortune a little more.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 June 2024
A ‘rags to riches’ story though very tough to read at times, is an important biography that needs to be told. A man who grew from the most horrendous situation by taking each tiny window of opportunity that came his way.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 June 2024
A life story that is at times difficult to read but which is truly inspiring. It is wonderful to read how Pat overcame extreme adversity and went on to achieve incredible international success.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2024
Pat’s story brought me on his life’s journey from what was a horrific start at the age of three to becoming a top class highly successful businessman. I am in awe of his persistent determination to overcome all difficulties that life put in his path. A truly inspiring and entertaining read sprinkled with sadness and humour.
Reviewed in Canada on 18 June 2024
An amazing story. This book had me hooked from page one.
Talk about a self-made man! If this isn’t one, I don’t know who would be. Despite a ton of adversity from a very young age, Pat persevered to have a very successful life. What an incredible story.
Reviewed in Germany on 10 June 2024
An inspirational story of overcoming adversity
Reviewed in the United States on 3 June 2024
I had the opportunity of working with Pat for the last 18 years covered in this book. The two keys to his undeniable success are “Percy” and “busy fools” as detailed in the book. These two concepts would serve anyone very well in life in general. As you will find in The Runner, Pat’s sense of humor is the glue that holds everything together. I remember our friend Malcolm (in the book). Malcolm made the mistake of allowing Pat to find out his hotel room number. Consequently, all drinks (many) consumed by our large group after a hard day of Standards meetings, were charged to Malcolm’s room, courtesy of Pat!
I highly recommend this book. It may change your life
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 June 2024
What a wonderful book. A little boy aged three had a horrendous start in life but over time that boy displayed great drive and determination to overcome huge difficulties and forge a new life for himself. He built a successful business and provided employment and helped to others along the way, and he is currently helping a new generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions.
A truly inspirational story.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 August 2024
Totally enjoyed reading this. No matter how poor you are, you can succeed in life by learning and educating yourself and can become one of the richest.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2024
I was hooked from the moment I started reading this, such an inspirational story. A rollercoaster of emotions, captivating exploration of life’s choices and the infinite possibilities that lie within our decisions. We all need a Percy in our lives ! Having known Dennis and Patricia with them being my partners grandparents, it’s easy to gain an understanding of the type of person Patsy is through the story. Having an insight into the cruelty that they faced from a young age leaves you with a sense of pure admiration for the people they become. Knowing all of the grandchildren and their children the values have been passed down through generations and will live on for many years to come. Thank you for an amazing read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2024
A very impressive read. I found it most interesting to hear how times were back then. Such very hard times. The format of highs and lows makes this book a great read, and the closeness of the family just makes it. Loved it! If I could give more than 5 star I would! Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2024
From the moment I received this book I was gripped; I could not put it down. The rollercoaster of emotions I genuinely felt whilst being taken on Pat’s journey from childhood to right now. Pat Ward is an incredible inspiring Gentleman. I am truly grateful. Thank you for sharing your story with the world.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 August 2024
Loved this book for so many reasons. As well as a brave and brutally honest account of a difficult start in life to .. I won’t spoil the ending !.. it will make you laugh and in parts could make you cry, educate you about life in times gone by, help inspire you that no matter what life throws at you, you can rise and find a way through, you may even learn a little about business too. Written with courage, you will finish feeling that you know the author well and some of his much-loved family members too. Nothing to not love about this book and plenty to enjoy and learn from the author’s life.
I too am truly grateful to all the readers who responded to the book. I had never written a book before and I wasn’t sure how it would be received. It was a great relief to see that it was well received.
One gentleman told me that what he found most striking was that no matter what level I was at in life, I strove to improve. That may explain why several readers said they found the book inspirational. I had hoped that it would inspire others.
Another gentleman told me that he was surprised at the absence of bitterness. I have no time for bitterness. To indulge in it would have been debilitating and I wouldn’t have achieved much if I carried that feeling around with me all the time.
The book was never written to make money. It was written to tell a story about me and my family. The fact that it brought to so many people joy, hope, help or inspiration is reward in abundance.
Thank you for sharing my journey.
Please feel free to leave a review on amazon.co.uk, or email your comments to me directly, Pat Ward:
info@therunner.ie
I have been contacted by several people in Ireland who noted that amazon.co.uk will not supply the paperback copy of the book to customers based in Ireland. Their only option was to buy the book from amazon.de, the German website. However, Amazon charge almost €8.00 for delivery from Germany to Ireland which is very high for a book with a selling price of €9.99.
For that reason I decided to find a printing firm who could supply the book to me so that I could supply it to readers worldwide. I set up this website from which paperback and eventually, eBook copies can be bought. The book will continue to be available from the Amazon websites and from Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Galway.
If you’re in Ireland, and want to purchase a copy of my book, please click the link at the top of the page, and my sincere thanks sharing my journey.
Pat Ward
