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DUTY
Growing up in the 1970s on a tough council estate in North East England, career options were limited. As a young lad, I needed focus. Three days after my 17th birthday, the Royal Marines offered me that.After serving in the Falklands and Northern Ireland, my career took another path, which eventually led me to almost three decades serving as a firefighter.My driving force for many roles in my life has been that of duty. Throughout life’s challenges, commiserations and celebrations, I began to appreciate just how fragile life can be – and learnt the importance of physical health, a positive mindset, and unbreakable resilience.My story, my life, my duty.
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 20, 2023
This book landed through my letterbox on Friday night. I quickly read the first 5 chapters then had to leave it until the Sunday when I read the rest.
Probably a world record, for me.
I only read non-fiction being of the mindset that the human race has enough tales to tell without inventing any.
Here's another one.
I have to say this is an incredibly easy read. The writer has taken Jeff's story, put it into print and it's almost like you're sat in the pub and he's literally telling you it. He's there, in your head.
An almost gentle stroll through life's ups and downs where even war, death, pain, sadness AND happiness are dealt with the same calm reflection with added sprinkles of humour. Both dark and light.
A very beautifully written story of an ordinary guy living an ordinary life encountering some extraordinary situations like war and some testing life challenges like bereavement and family illness and how they're managed, overcome and reconciled. Maybe not so "ordinary" after all.
A story of family above all else. By birth or by comradeship.
A story of responsibility, DUTY, to those above and to oneself and how to handle the trials and tribulations life throws at you. Interestingly emerging at the end with a sense of how wellbeing and mental health can be nurtured.
That's my take, fwiw.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Probably a world record, for me.
I only read non-fiction being of the mindset that the human race has enough tales to tell without inventing any.
Here's another one.
I have to say this is an incredibly easy read. The writer has taken Jeff's story, put it into print and it's almost like you're sat in the pub and he's literally telling you it. He's there, in your head.
An almost gentle stroll through life's ups and downs where even war, death, pain, sadness AND happiness are dealt with the same calm reflection with added sprinkles of humour. Both dark and light.
A very beautifully written story of an ordinary guy living an ordinary life encountering some extraordinary situations like war and some testing life challenges like bereavement and family illness and how they're managed, overcome and reconciled. Maybe not so "ordinary" after all.
A story of family above all else. By birth or by comradeship.
A story of responsibility, DUTY, to those above and to oneself and how to handle the trials and tribulations life throws at you. Interestingly emerging at the end with a sense of how wellbeing and mental health can be nurtured.
That's my take, fwiw.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 31, 2023
What a brilliantly written book this is! I really feel like I know Jeff and his family. This has given me a lot to think about with my outlook on life. Be positive, determined, if you don't like something, do something to change it. He's lucky to have been in jobs he's loves, despite the tests of the job, the trauma's seen in various stages whether in the marines or firefighting. This story is very real, very true to life, very laid bare. It tells of true feelings and real life situations. Touches on places I know about, I have visited Newcastle and surrounding areas and it's nice to hear of places I know of or have visited in the past.
I love how you progress with Jeff through the book, throughout his experiences, he and his family have come out stronger and more determined. I'm sorry to hear of his parents passing and sadly, it comes to us all. Life throws things at us that we have to deal with but others are better dealing with it than others. Thank you for letting me into your world and for your help over the years to those in need.
I love how you progress with Jeff through the book, throughout his experiences, he and his family have come out stronger and more determined. I'm sorry to hear of his parents passing and sadly, it comes to us all. Life throws things at us that we have to deal with but others are better dealing with it than others. Thank you for letting me into your world and for your help over the years to those in need.
November 18, 2023
I was sent a copy of Duty by the lovely Helen Aitchison, an author in her own right, but who is also the face behind Write on the Tyne.
I only started reading Jeff's story last night and by this morning I'd finished. What an absolutely fascinating life he's led.
Starting from the heady days of his youth, Jeff takes us through his life, from his career as a Royal Marine to becoming a firefighter.
Whilst the book does have its more serious moments there are also the funnier, for me the one that comes to mind is having to kill his own chicken for dinner whilst serving in the military - it didn't taste too good as you can imagine.
I would love to have the opportunity to sit with Jeff for an afternoon and hear more of his adventures throughout his life, he's such a fascinating man and an inspiration to many.
I only started reading Jeff's story last night and by this morning I'd finished. What an absolutely fascinating life he's led.
Starting from the heady days of his youth, Jeff takes us through his life, from his career as a Royal Marine to becoming a firefighter.
Whilst the book does have its more serious moments there are also the funnier, for me the one that comes to mind is having to kill his own chicken for dinner whilst serving in the military - it didn't taste too good as you can imagine.
I would love to have the opportunity to sit with Jeff for an afternoon and hear more of his adventures throughout his life, he's such a fascinating man and an inspiration to many.
November 25, 2023
Having read and enjoyed autobiographies by Jason Fox, Ollie Ollerton I was really excited to read this.
It did not disappoint, this book takes you on a journey through Jeff's lifestory. Starting out in his childhood days growing up on a council estate in the North East, to his adventures in the marines, to the fire service to post "retirement" plans!
Jeff's positive outlook and his mindset is awe inspiring.
A book packed full with emotion, honest raw accounts, a lot of serious situations and a strong theme of strong family bonds and friendships with a good dose of humour!
Thank you for your service Jeff and for sharing your story with us
It did not disappoint, this book takes you on a journey through Jeff's lifestory. Starting out in his childhood days growing up on a council estate in the North East, to his adventures in the marines, to the fire service to post "retirement" plans!
Jeff's positive outlook and his mindset is awe inspiring.
A book packed full with emotion, honest raw accounts, a lot of serious situations and a strong theme of strong family bonds and friendships with a good dose of humour!
Thank you for your service Jeff and for sharing your story with us
February 17, 2024
Yep. I came across this on holiday in Fuerteventura. It was in the hotel reception and I finished it in a couple of days.
Overall, a good read. No confounded terms , written in simple straightforward prose with a philosophy on life on what can be achieved if you go the extra. (if you have the support and nounce).
Next to loyalty, honour , love and duty, the book presents some key elements to getting on and being successful in life.
If exercise were a drug it would be a wonder cure. Sit back , snooze, then you loose!
Simple see.
Overall, a good read. No confounded terms , written in simple straightforward prose with a philosophy on life on what can be achieved if you go the extra. (if you have the support and nounce).
Next to loyalty, honour , love and duty, the book presents some key elements to getting on and being successful in life.
If exercise were a drug it would be a wonder cure. Sit back , snooze, then you loose!
Simple see.
August 1, 2024
Boxercise
Brilliant true to life story, it was a pleasure to read about the life of someone you have had the pleasure of knowing for a short time
Brilliant true to life story, it was a pleasure to read about the life of someone you have had the pleasure of knowing for a short time
December 16, 2023
Lessons to teach your kids. Fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews