The Unicyclist, the Vicar and the Paediatrician is the unique, heartwarming and true story of Joe, a teenage unicyclist, who sets out on his ultimate challenge: to travel the length of Britain on one wheel. He is accompanied on this incredible journey by his paediatrician father, Peter, desperate for a bit of father-son bonding; and by David, the sexagenarian vicar, complete with a broom strapped to his recumbent tricycle, transforming the endeavour into a pilgrimage on wheels.
But almost from the beginning, the three are beset by problems: mechanical failures, broken handlebars, an unexpected ambulance ride. Can Joe and his companions overcome the crises that come their way, and make it to the finish line?
This moving account, written jointly by Peter and Joe, follows this remarkable team as they battle against adversity and press on to reach their goal. From Joes earliest ventures into long-distance unicycling and months of training amidst the realities of family life and father-son communication, through to their enthusiastic start from Lands End and the fateful day that followed, their journeys will delight, amuse, challenge and inspire you.
Donations from sales will be made to the Lullaby Trust Formerly the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. This was one of the charities supported by the sponsored unicycle ride
PETER SIDEBOTHAM is a father of two and a consultant paediatrician working in Warwickshire with academic interests in parenting and child health. While his professional work brings challenges, by far his hardest role has been learning to be a dad.
JOE SIDEBOTHAM is a 6th form student at Blue Coat School in Coventry. He started unicycling in 2006, adding it to a wide range of hobbies. He is now studying maths with physics at university, and keeping up his unicycling on the side.
PUBLISHED 1 May 2013
£8.95
ISBN 9781780885155