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.
I got the only copy of it in the entire library system of Ireland.
My local library had it transferred from Galway library. It’s an extraordinary read, beautifully written, so open (unusual in a man, I think), human, a textbook on business, and yet so family orientated, not forgetting the humour that sparkles throughout, as in his creation of alter ego, Percy.
Pat’s friends were right- he has a great and inspiring story to tell.
I cried and laughed as I read it.
“WOW”
I was given a loan of your book last Sunday afternoon and to say I liked it is an understatement – I absolutely loved it, I couldn’t put it down and I finished it on Sunday evening. I returned it on Monday but I will certainly be heading into Charlie Byrnes to purchase a copy for my husband.
I would have known boys in the early 80’s who were in St Joseph’s in Salthill and I was somewhat aware of the difficulties they were enduring on a daily basis.
You are a truly empowering person who turned a very difficult start in life into strength & positivity. You have gained a wealth of knowledge from your lifetime experiences.
Waiting on the next book / inspirational dialogue?
Thanks for writing the book. It brought both tears and joy.
A gentleman approached me recently to tell me that he had read the book and how much he enjoyed it. He said that the strangest thing is that when he started reading the book he actually felt that he was beside me and we undertook that journey together. He was with me in St. Joseph’s, he was with me when I to England, he was with me when I joined the Royal Navy and he was willing me on to succeed in each phase of my life. He loved the continuation of the WA journey and how it achieved ultimate success.
I found his story about the book quite amazing. I could never have imagined that the book would transport someone on a journey lasting over 70 years, but it seems to have done that in his and many other cases.
The gentleman I met was of North African origin. He said that 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.
Pat Ward – Author
I 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, or email your comments to me directly: pat@therunner.ie
Keep scrolling below to read some of the wonderful reviews I have received.
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.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2024
Well written true story, the triumph of the human spirit. Give people opportunity, and those with the ability, drive and ambition will rise. Access to education is a great leveller. Continuous professional development and seeking qualified advice gives a competitive edge.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2025
A truly inspirational story about how people can overcome the most harrowing circumstances, and find the will, resources and resolve to survive and flourish and prosper.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2024
I read this because my brother in Ireland said it was very good and also Pat Ward is my uncle, my dad’s brother. I found it very interesting 👍
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 June 2024
This true book was difficult to read at times (chapter one), a heartbreaking account of life in the care of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The following chapters really allow the reader to understand that a person can achieve great things after a terribly difficult childhood.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2024
I recently read with great interest the newly published autobiography by Pat Ward – The Runner. I found it a most fascinating read and it gave me a tremendous insight into his life, from the beginnings in St. Joseph’s Industrial School in Salthill, followed by his time in the British Navy and ultimately his transition into a successful entrepreneur.
The graphic descriptions of life in a 1950s industrial school are highly realistic and provide a much greater understanding of the lives experienced by those less fortunate. Ultimately this book has a happy ending as Pat’s drive and intellect enabled him to develop a highly successful electronics business in the west of Ireland.
Clearly I found it to be a highly enjoyable book, with some very important messages and lessons for all of us. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in Ireland
The Runner is a fascinating account of the author, Pat Ward’s life and a great insight into such a difficult time for so many young people in Ireland. Against the odds, Pat’s determination and tenacity made him a great success in business and in life. Thank you for sharing, Pat. Well done.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 September 2024
It’s a wonderful and truly honest story of an amazing life. The twists and turns along Pat’s journey would make the most amazing Hollywood script.
The story has its ups and downs, tears and laughter, and shows how chance encounters can change the course of your life. It’s well written, well paced and impossible to put down.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Pat, thank you for your story and I wish you all the best and many more adventures along the way.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2024
Pat gave me a signed copy of this book and I could not stop reading it. So much of this relates to anyone who grew up in Ireland pre-1980.
Aspects of Pat’s story can be found in everyone’s life, from moments of kindness to moments of self-realisation. There is something here for everyone and I have told many people this is essential reading.
Highly recommend.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 June 2024
This is a well-written, engaging book. It is enjoyable and entertaining while also extremely moving and inspiring.
It shines a light on a period of Irish life hidden for so long and highlights the importance of kindness, family and resilience. The story of one man’s journey is told with humour and a deep understanding of human nature.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 June 2024
This is an amazing book which tells the story of a man who overcame an incredibly tough upbringing to become one of Ireland’s most successful business entrepreneurs.
A truly inspirational book. Pat should be congratulated on sharing this story, which will hopefully inspire others.
Reviewed in the United States on 13 March 2025
Just when we need it most – a positive story of how a person’s internal values can overcome.
Reviewed in Canada on 31 March 2025
What a fantastic read. The humour with which Pat tells his incredible story leaves you feeling lighthearted even as he broaches darker subjects in the earlier chapters.
You feel like you’re right there with him celebrating his victories and navigating the challenges he faced. This is a great read for anyone seeking commercial success or wanting to better understand Ireland’s deeply complex past.
Patiently awaiting the sequel over here.
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 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 copies can be purchased. The book will continue to be available from Amazon and from the Charlie Byrne’s bookshop in Galway.
If you’re in Ireland, and want to purchase a copy of my book, please get in touch with me.
My sincere thanks sharing my journey.
Pat Ward
