Auf Wiedersehen Pat

This inspirational book is Pat Roach’s final goodbye to the world, before his tragic death. The ‘Gentle Giant’ battled with cancer for six-and-a-half years, before it eventually claimed him, in the small hours of Saturday 17 July, 2004. His confidante and biographer, Shirley Thompson, has combined Pat’s final experiences and thoughts, with over seventy tributes from close family and friends, to produce a fascinating book. Pat’s widow, Doreen, step-brother Pete Meakin, and a host of celebrities, including Kevin Whately, Chris Fairbank, Julia Tobin, Noel Clarke, Jimmy Nail and Timothy Spall, all feature prominently. Tim Healy, who was a particularly close friend, has written an entire chapter; scriptwriters Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais provide an insightful Foreword.

Pat’s request for an investigative chapter, to examine the mystery behind Gary Holton’s untimely death, has been realised, with the help of Gary’s mother and his agent, John Harwood-Bee. BAFTA award-winning stunt coordinator Vic Armstrong describes his long-standing friendship with Pat, which spanned most of their careers, through Indiana Jones, James Bond and Arnold Schwarzenegger films. Wayne and Sarah Bridges, Mick McManus, Seamus Dunleavy, Pete Roberts, Killer Kowalski and Joe D’Orazio are just a few of the many sports celebrities who recall life with Pat.

Pat’s wish that this last book should convey a message of hope to fellow cancer patients, whilst also providing a measure of funding for the Cancer BACUP charity, will be realised, as the book is launched. His courage, combined with the warmth and affection that he frequently inspired in others, shines throughout. But be prepared for a few unexpected surprises, including a chapter that could only be published posthumously! Two galleries, containing over a hundred unique photographs, provide the crowning glory to this truly memorable book… the third and final biography in the Pat Roach Trilogy.