Save Me from the Waves: An adventure from sea to summit Audiobook

Includes BBC RADIO 4 DESERT ISLAND DISCS clips by Maya Angelou, Emma Thompson, Edmund Hillary and many more

'A breathtaking adventure of a truly inspirational woman' – Maxine Peake



An adventure story – with a difference. From sea to summit. Fully soundtracked.

Jessica Hepburn is an unlikely athlete – she was labelled the ‘arty’ not the ‘sporty’ one in school. She hates exercise and believes the only reason to do it is for food, booze and box-sets on the sofa.

However, in her forties, following a succession of hard and sad life experiences she started to try and exercise her way out of heartbreak. She has now become one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance athletes. The first and only woman (currently) on the planet to have completed the ‘Sea, Street, Summit Challenge’ – which is to swim the English Channel, run the London Marathon and climb Mount Everest (which she calls Chomolungma – the mountain’s original Sherpa name). And possibly the only woman (although this can’t be officially certified) to have listened to eighty years and over 3,000 episodes of her favourite radio programme – Desert Island Discs.

Save Me from the Waves is an inspirational story of physical and mental endurance which starts on the streets of London and culminates on top of the world, fuelled by song. It explores the redemptive power of music and mountains. How family and friends can be lost and found in the most unusual places. And encourages everyone to live big and bravely when life doesn’t go to plan. Because sometimes we all need saving from the waves. And whether it’s high and far away or closer to home and in your head, an adventure will always change your life for the better.

Features the voices of Marlene Dietrich, Emma Thompson, Maya Angelou, Rob Brydon, Stephen King, Tim Robbins…. and many more from Desert Island Discs.

 

Features audio clips from Desert Island Discs castaways, including:

 

Jimmy Carr

Clive James

Kelly Holmes

Paul Weller

Kay Mellor

Peter Bull

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Emma Thompson

James Blades

Alan Plater

Alfred Wainwright

Jo Brand

Rob Brydon

Gillian Clarke

Lemn Sissay

Tim Minchin

Anne-Marie Duff 

Christina Dodwell

Marlene Dietrich

Liz Lochhead

Jilly Cooper

Bill Morris

Tim Robbins

Robert Macfarlane

Sue Townsend

Jill Balcon

Stephen King

Alice Walker

Kelsey Grammer

Mervyn King

Betty Driver

Wangari Maathai

Edna Adan Ismail

Ali Smith

Stella McCartney

Penelope Wilton

Simon Reeve

Alicia Markova

Edmund Hillary

Winnie Byanyima

Dave Brubeck

Alan Titchmarsh

Isabella Tree

David Nott

Richard Doll

Ruth Westheimer

Ruth Jones

Marisa Robles

Winston Graham

David Mitchell

Ruthie Henshall

Sonita Alleyne

Louis Armstrong

Conrad Anker

Akram Khan

A. H. Halsey

Amanda Khozi Mukwashi

Helen Fielding

Rose Hudson-Wilkin

Nick Webbon

Sheryl Sandberg

Joe Simpson

Maya Angelou

Download and start listening now!

"The moment you open this book you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend. It’s such a delicious adventure and Jessica’s warm voice will immediately make you feel less alone – whatever journey you’re on.’ Lisa Faulkner, Actress, Presenter Author of Meant to Be ‘An amazing, touching, at times deeply moving adventure about mountains and music and love. I loved it.’ Ann Daniels, Record Breaking Polar Explorer Desert Island Disc Castaway 'If you have ever found yourself in a rut listening to endless podcasts like Desert Island Discs, this book is for you.' Emma Gannon, Sunday Times Bestselling Author 'This musical adventure story is written from the heart, and speaks to what it means to be human. It brings the Desert Island Discs archive alive in a skilful and meticulously researched interweaving of a myriad of interconnected stories, Jessica Hepburn takes us on a journey of love and loss but it is so much more than an autobiography - it draws on the power of music, why it matters and means so much to the many protagonists who stories are included. A tour de force of obsession, resilience, and challenge.' Alexandra Lamont, Professor of Music Psychology and Editor in Chief Psychology of Music 'This extraordinary woman took me on an unexpected journey of adventure. Deeply personal, searingly honest, achingly painful. Jessica writes with such self-deprecating heart, you can’t help but love the bones of her. This book will move you with music, mountains, melanjoy and, mostly, Molly.' Hannah Vaughan Jones, Broadcaster 'An inspiring tale of endurance and redemption. Jessica's story will dare you to answer your own call to adventure.' Belinda Kirk, Founder of Adventure Mind Author of Adventure Revolution ‘An intensely vulnerable memoir about heartbreak and healing in its messy, imperfect truth, and the scars life leaves, inside and out. Unflinchingly honest, it is a courageous adventure of the heart as much as an inspiring and sometimes heart-stopping adventure story.’ Jody Day, Founder of Gateway Women ‘A beautiful story that doesn’t hide the hardships of life but still makes you feel warm and cosy. It’s like getting a long hug from a dear friend. I couldn’t put it down.’ Joyce Harper, Professor of Women’s Health at UCL 'Jessica Hepburn’s writing was my salvation through the early days of my not being able to have children. She is brave, fearless and utterly generous with her wisdom … this beautiful book is a must for any Desert Island Discs fan and a miraculous salve for difficult times.' Kat Brown, Author of No One Talks About This Stuff 'An incredible new book. Prepare to be inspired by Jessica’s words as she takes us on an unforgettable journey to the top of the world. Jessica is TOUGH; mentally, physically and emotionally. What a woman, what a story, what a journey. It will encourage you to take on your next challenge!' Sarah Williams, Tough Girl Podcast 'An empowering story of transformation; a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges. I couldn’t put it down, there’s such power and beauty in Jessica’s story.' Penny Hearne, Chatty Soul Podcast 'A fantastic book that had me in tears and left me emotional for several days. What this incredible woman has overcome and achieved is an inspiration. Thank you Jessica for being the most extraordinary version of you.' Helen Gallagher, Happy and Childless Podcast"

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