And I had no idea posthumous sperm retrieval was a thing that's possible, such a challenging time, but being able to have that option is amazing. I’m so sorry for all of the loss that has followed you in the last few years but I’m truly grateful you are both here.

Ellidy is determined to keep the memory of her partner Chumpy Pullin strong, to honour his spirit and for their daughter, Minnie. I knew nothing about Ellidy or Chumpy before reading and now I feel that Ellidy is one of the strongest people ever. A quote that really stuck with me from this book was 'a flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long'.But for now all I can say is that I am truly sorry for her and her family’s loss and leave it, now, at that. I felt so much love and hope as well, and Minnie, Ellidy's daughter, is such a beautiful example of a rainbow after a storm. A few people have said to me that they're really excited to read this book but feel a put off or scared because they know it will make them sad. It is just so clear that they are such a beautiful family and I think it was really special that they shared some intimate family memories - I feel honored to have read them.

Life is so so short and you just never know how much one decision truly will impact not only your life but everyone else’s lives around you. By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file.

I think it is just so apparent that Chumpy was an incredible and other-wordly human being that touched so many lives and has left an incredible legacy. In the hours that followed a suggestion was made, did Ellidy want to harvest Chumpy's sperm and try for the baby they both wanted so deeply? I had seen this book everywhere and I had it on my list to read for ages, but I wasn’t at a place in my grief journey where i felt i could read this. Although the writing style was definitely different for me, the experiences, trauma and growth throughout this book, are memorable.

I started and finished this book in one sitting I was captivated by this incredible memoir that shared the story of Ellidy, Minnie and ofcourse the story of Alex ‘Chumpy’ Pullin in life and in death, I’ve never felt this before about someone I’ve never met but I’m in awe of the human he was and the lives he touched and just the way he lived his life. Heartstrong is just such an unforgettable book about love, joy, loss, grief, hope and finding a way to keep going in the darkest of times.I wish she would’ve just owned that instead of trying to tell me her upbringing/past was as bad as mine. I do want to start following her story on social media but as for the book, not a 'good read' at all. My rating doesn’t take away from their experiences at all - I just don’t know what it was about this that I couldn’t get into.