From Grief to Love: Walking Around England and Wales

by Laurence Carter

"A touching exploration of turning grief into action." – Kirkus Reviews

After losing his wife Melitta to cervical cancer, Laurence Carter embarked on a 4,314-mile coastal walk around England and Wales. His mission: to raise awareness that cervical cancer can be eliminated in a generation. This inspiring memoir recounts how his journey transformed from one of grief to one of hope and renewed love. Through poignant, funny and heartwarming vignettes, Carter takes readers along as he travels Britain’s beautiful coastline, chronicling both his physical trek and emotional recovery. A moving, frank account of overcoming loss that offers solace to anyone who has experienced bereavement.

“Buttressed by purpose, support from friends and strangers, and Cancer Research UK,” he writes, the journey taught him the “salving power of the outdoors” and introduced him to a network of other individuals whose lives had been upended by cervical cancer.” Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Travel

187 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2024

About the author

In 2018-19 Laurence Carter walked 4,314 miles around the coasts of England and Wales in honour of his late wife Melitta, to raise awareness that cervical cancer can be eliminated in a generation. His memoir From Grief to Love tells the story of this epic walk and the people he meets along the way, and also his journey through grief.

Laurence lives in Bethesda, Maryland, where he enjoys walking his dog, running, an occasional beer, seeing his three adult children, and strolling along the canal with his fiancée, whom he met as a result of the walk. Laurence, who is English, was delighted when NHS England pledged in November 2023 to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.

Reviews

[Tasha]

Looking forward to reading this journey.

[Marta · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT! Laurence Carter's book is a beautiful journey full of love. While reading and sipping my tea I was transported to my own experience with grief. We all will experience loss, and the grief process is a roller coaster, full stop.
Laurence Carter takes us through his journey and his mission to end cervical cancer, due to his wife's dying too young to this disease. What makes this story unique is that it is a man writing about his grief. The author takes you for a walk, not just an ordinary walk but an inspiring and entertaining walk around England and Wales. Though his mission is to raise awareness and funds for putting an end to cervical cancer, the stories of the people he meets along the way are so enjoyable. With his British wit, he keeps the reader entertained as he journeys from grief to love.
I think this would be a great Book Club choice and a potential life saver. Thank you Laurence Carter for sharing your story with us!

[Ann Gradowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

You do not need to have met Melitta or Laurence and his family to enjoy this journey- the people he meets and those who poked his inner being revealing his grief, determination, flaws and strengths are enough to cheer him on his quest. Lovely story telling- pleasurable reading

[Dianne Alvine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laurence Carter has written a memoir about grieving the loss of his wife to cervical cancer. He lives in Maryland and has three adult children. Prior to living in the U.S. Carter lived/worked in various parts of the world and met his wife, Melitta, in Malawi, Africa, where she was employed. Carter and his wife were born in Great Britain.

When Melitta died of cervical cancer, Carter wanted to pay homage to her and her love of the outdoors, as well as raise awareness of the need for cervical screening, and early detection. He also did fund raising for this cause. He sets out on a 4317 mile coastline walk around England and Wales. He also received support from CRUK, (Cancer Research UK).

Along the way, Carter meets many people and listens to their stories as he finds connection with others. He also has friends that join him at different points in his walk. In his memoir, Carter talks about his physical and emotional grieving as he walks the coastline.

Carter explains how he learned to live again after losing the love of his life, and how this tribute to Melitta helped him cope with his overwhelming grief., I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

[Dun's · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over a long spring weekend, and wanted to read it again as soon as I finished. I was completely enamored by Laurence’s writing about his grief and honoring the memories of his late wife, walking alongside England and Wales coastlines, raising awareness about cervical cancer, and meeting supportive family and friends and quirky characters throughout his journey.

I loved tracking his progress on the maps included in the book, and smiled every time I recognized the seaside towns he visited. His depiction of Aberystwyth, for example, reminded me of my experience visiting the town with a friend who went to Aber Uni many years ago.

Kudos, Laurence, for this terrific book, completing your walk, and the mission behind it. Many thanks for a copy of the book I received in a Goodreads giveaway. Publication: May 2024.

[♡︎.ᐟજ⁀➴ Erie · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

📖 A Walk to Remember: Laurence Carter's deeply moving memoir takes us on a 4,000-mile journey around the coast of England and Wales, as he processes his grief after losing his wife to cervical cancer. 🌊👣

💘 A Love Letter to Life: This heartwarming tale is full of love, laughter, and tears. Carter's British wit and self-deprecating humor make his journey entertaining, while his raw emotions make it inspiring and unforgettable. 😂💕😭

🌟 People, Places, and Purpose: Along the way, Carter meets a cast of extraordinary ordinary people who help him navigate his grief, contemplate his future, and find love again. The historical information and descriptions of the terrain make you feel like you're right there with him. 🌄🏰🤝

🎯 A Mission of Hope: Carter's mission to raise awareness and funds for cervical cancer is seamlessly woven into the narrative. His story is a testament to the power of turning grief into action and finding meaning in loss. 🎗️🌷

🍵 Tea and Tissues: Be prepared to laugh, cry, and reminisce about your own experiences with grief and love. This book is a perfect choice for book clubs and anyone looking for a touching, uplifting read. ☕📚

🍦 Final Scoop: Laurence Carter's journey is a beautiful reminder that love and life go on, even in the face of unimaginable loss. His story is a beacon of hope, a call to action, and an unforgettable adventure. Don't miss out on this extraordinary tale of love, loss, and redemption. 🍦📚💕

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Grief to Love: Walking Around England and Wales is a tender, inspiring memoir about loss transformed into purpose. After the death of his wife, Melitta, Laurence Carter undertakes an extraordinary 4,314 mile coastal walk an act of mourning that slowly becomes an act of hope, advocacy, and renewal.

What makes this book especially powerful is its emotional balance. Carter does not rush past sorrow or attempt to dress grief in easy optimism. Instead, he allows it to unfold naturally through exhaustion, solitude, unexpected kindness from strangers, moments of humor, and the quiet healing offered by the landscape itself.

The physical journey mirrors the emotional one: step by step, fragile but determined. His mission to raise awareness about cervical cancer gives his pain direction, turning private loss into public compassion. Along the way, the memoir becomes not only a travel narrative, but a meditation on love, memory, and what it means to continue living fully after everything has changed.

At its heart, From Grief to Love is about choosing motion over paralysis, meaning over despair, and connection over isolation. It will resonate deeply with readers who have experienced bereavement, long distance walking, or the slow, uneven work of rebuilding a life. Quietly powerful and deeply humane, this book stays with you long after the final mile.

[Kathleen Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing his 53 year old wife to cervical cancer the author decided to walk around England and Wales to process his grief and bring awareness to the need for women to have routine testing for cervical cancer and to raise donations for this cause. Carter had the good fortune of friends and relatives who flew in from all over the world to travel with him on some parts of his journey, and he met some interesting hosts at his airbnb stays along the way - each giving him food for thought on the direction his new life might take. His descriptions of the terrain, weather, people he met, and his internal thoughts as he contemplates what direction his life will take makes you feel that you are right there on the journey with him. I enjoyed the historical information about his various stops and also the information about cervical cancer both of which were woven seamlessly into the narrative. One of the best books written about tackling grief with action while also fundraising for a cause.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for choosing me.

I read this book in one sitting. The love that Laurence has for his wife is absolutely beautiful. I felt it through every page from beginning to end. Walking with him wasn't easy, yet it was inspiring.

I personally know many families, including my own, who have lost a loved one to some form of cancer, and it is debilitating and often fractures the family in irrevocable ways. To see a man who loves his wife as much as he does set off on a walk to raise awareness that will help others is incredible. This book filled me with hope. It needs to be talked about, and it needs to be shared again and again if only to remind us all that screenings are important no matter what we have going on.

I hope this book finds its way into the hands of those who need the lessons the most. I'm beyond grateful it found me. It is beautifully written, a testament of how much a man loves his wife and how much he wants to help another family avoid the same fate by raising awareness.

[Jay Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this warm and engaging story about Laurence's 4,000 mile walk around the coast of England and Wales in memory of his beloved wife who died of cervical cancer. Laurence has a light, humorous touch; ready to poke gentle fun at himself but he talks with real affection about the people he meets on his walk. It was quite emotional to read how the walk changed him so much that he was ready to love again by the end.

Laurence wanted to spread the message that cervical cancer testing and the HPV vaccine will eradicate cervical cancer altogether as well as raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The main focus of the book though is on the people and places he comes across on his travels.

[Heather Del Rio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Giveaway for my honest opinion.

I entered to win this book because my best friend’s mom just passed away a few months ago and she’s from England. I was so pleased to win it! It definitely didn’t disappoint. The author allows you into his heart and soul in this beautiful story of grief and love. He takes you on his journey from loss, to acceptance, and onto unconditional love. I loved getting to see each step through his eyes, and learning so much about people and human nature. The maps and photos from his trek are perfect additions to help you feel included. At times it felt as though I was reading a journal but in all the best ways. I loved it! I would recommend this to anyone going through a tough time. Great read!

[Sonha Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we lose someone close, grief takes us to a lonely place. You become desperate to find meaning of your loss and grief. Laurence Carter’s journey along the coast of England and Wales reflects his own journey through grief. Reading the part where he and his children walk through their neighborhood after his wife’s passing tugged at my heart and left me with a lump in my throat. His portrayal of their grief is both quiet and poignant. During the walk, the author encounters many ordinary yet extraordinary people who share their stories with him. These inspiring, unexpected, and often humorous stories will take you through the journey the author took.

[T. Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the true story of the author’s walk, in memory of his wife, to raise awareness of cervical cancer. He shares stories from many of the characters he meets along the way in quick, easy-to-read sections, revealing what he learned from each of them.

I found their stories very interesting, and it seemed all of them had overcome something and improved the world. The author gave us much to reflect on.

Although the title is “From Grief to Love,” and we see the author gradually feeling like he might be able to love again, very little time was spent talking about the love he found. I would really have liked a couple of chapters of that experience to complete the story.

[Samuel Munzele Maimbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurence Carter’s From Grief to Love is a powerful memoir chronicling his 4,314-mile walk around England and Wales after losing his wife to cervical cancer. Told in diary form, the book is a poignant blend of personal reflection and vivid storytelling. Carter’s journey captures his transformation from heartbreak to healing, enriched by encounters with ordinary strangers who share their own inspiring stories of extraordinary resilience. It’s a testament to the strength of human connection, the impact of grief, and the redemptive power of purpose. Emotionally raw yet hopeful, this book uplifts readers with its honest portrayal of love enduring beyond loss.

[Lily Luan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm incredibly inspired by Carter's journey walking around England and Wales to raise awareness for cervical cancer prevention after his wife sadly passed away from the disease. Most of all, I was inspired by his ability to connect with the various people he met on his walk and how he coached himself to be open and accepting. It serves as a reminder to my introverted self of the possibilities that exist if I make myself open to the people around me.

On a complete side-note, I was surprised by the amount of women he met along the way that had been left by their husbands.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I was drawn to the title with the mention of grief in the title.

The book documents the author's charity walk for cervical cancer, the disease that caused the death of his wife, Melitta. I enjoyed his thoughts, tidbits of Laurence and Melitta's meeting and life together, and also the descriptions of the areas he walked and the people he met. The chapters were succinct and the narrative flowed well. I also appreciated the maps and quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

After his wife dies of cervical cancer, a man decides to walk around the coastline of England and Wales, in order to raise awareness and funds. Cervical cancer is spread by a virus, and there is a vaccine that takes care of it, provided it is administered early enough. Unfortunately, thanks to various government officials, trust in vaccines is very low indeed. I felt sorry for the guy.

[Cierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so heartbroken for Laurence and his family and friends for the loss of Melitta. But Laurence Carter beautifully captured parts of his grieving process while also providing education around cervical cancer. Statistics and data were beautifully woven into the tapestry of his recollection of this walk. It’s honest and it’s hopeful and I’m thankful for his advocacy and also his vulnerability to write this book and send it into the world.

[Lynn Zoia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2, rounded up.
This was a Giveaway and I really enjoyed it. Read it over the course of one day, a few chapters at a time. If I had a few minutes, I picked it up. The people the author met and the folks that walked with him made it compelling reading for me. Carter learned a lot about a lot of things during his year of walking around England and Wales, and I think the reader comes away learning a few things as well.

[norma baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a gem

What can you learn when you spend a year with yourself, walking around the coast of England and Wales, to honor your wife and tell the world that the hpv vax can prevent cervical cancer? cervical cancer can be eliminated! The book is about the interesting places he saw but it is also about the people he met and how it is the people who changed him. Marvelous.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fine tribute to the author’s wife. It is a story of profound loss that catalyzed the author to take on a journey to bring awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of screening. Throughout his journey he meets interesting people along the way.

Thanks to the author for gifting this book.

[Anwyl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has experienced grief will relate to the author’s desire to honour his wife’s memory. In addition to being beautifully written with a clear flowing style, the book is a reminder of the importance of attending health tests, and contains useful facts about the cervical cancer vaccine. Through story-telling, without patronising or preaching, this book could save lives.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book and it is an easy quick read. My only complaint is that it could have been longer as some sections did feel rushed along. I learned about some new walks that are now on my adventure list and learned a bit more about HPV and Cervical Cancer.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant reflection on loss as the author reminds us of the importance of living a full life with those we love. "We should all try to leave the world a better place", as stated by his wife Melita, who left this world way too soon. A book of love and grief put into action.

[Lisa Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A widower walks around England to raise awareness for cervical cancer that killed his wife. He meets many interesting people and learns about himself along the way. Very good!

[Karli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book inspiring and uplifting. Thank you for sharing your journey through the wilderness of loss into a world of hope and human connection! Superb.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very inspirational

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️ WOW what a beautiful tribute and a good way of mending one's on self. Truly enjoyed this read. Grief of any kind can be so heavy and feel impossible to cope with. Highly recommend.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic journey. Enjoyed the reflections and story of his relationship. Very good story. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful memoir about how to turn ones grief into a good cause. I love how all the chapters tell short stories throughout the journey.