Mike Gardner Books

Boxer Walker was voted the best scrum half in the world in 1980. The incredible story of his life is in part, a social history of a half-forgotten era, when coal mines were the economic bed rock of close-knit communities across the north. He shines a light into what life was like in a claustrophobic Cumbrian pit deep below the Irish Sea and you will join him in the Workington Town dressing room when they beat mighty Wigan to win the Lancashire Cup for the only time in the club's history. You will also find out about the great players and coaches who helped to burnish his rugged skills and why he was always a prized target for violent forwards, years before the slick presentation of the Super League by Sky TV with its HD quality pictures and video replays. Boxer's story is full of highs and lows, including the day he was felled so heavily at the Recreation Ground, that a rumour spread around the terraces that the tackle had killed him. Always exciting, uplifting, poignant, revealing and ultimately triumphant, Boxer: The Life of a Cumbria Great is a towering story of one of Cumbria's finest-ever home-grown players and of a sporting character almost without compare.

Chronicling a personal journey, this narrative follows retired journalist Mike Gardner as he embarks on the challenging 800-kilometer Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in April 2018. With a rich history spanning over a thousand years, the Camino tests the endurance of its pilgrims, as many do not complete the trek. Gardner's quest is not just a physical challenge but also a profound exploration of faith, perseverance, and self-discovery along the scenic routes of northern Spain.