After an unplanned, unforeseen, adventure-filled life and career in the Middle East and the UK, and then a decade assisting his wife in her battle with dementia, Alan has plenty of stories to tell. Two of them are the books he'll be publishing in 2026.

The Foreign Aide is the fictional story of British expatriates who arrive in Lebanon in the mid-1970s, but soon find themselves watching somebody else’s civil war. At first they’re thrilled to be in the world’s spotlight, confident that as foreigners they have nothing to fear. They’re not involved — until they are.

The Marathon Years is a set of true stories from Alan's dementia care years. Some will make you laugh; others are tear-jerkers. It’s a book reflecting the plight of millions who see someone they love slowly fading away in front of them. And a book that shows how love and hope can survive even in the darkest times.

‘Life's been a roller-coaster’, Alan says. ‘Deep lows, but incredible highs. I’m so lucky to have the ingredients for a dozen books. Now I just have to cook ’em.’

When he’s not cooking, Alan’s an enthusiastic runner / walker, exploring rural Manchester and Salford.