The Salt Path author denies claims she misled readers
An investigation by The Observer found some of Raynor Winn's claims about her husband's illness and the events that led to the couple losing their home were misrepresented. The author says the article is "highly misleading".
A health charity has removed its support for the couple at the centre of the best-seller The Salt Path after an investigation raised questions whether parts of the story are true.
British Sunday newspaper, The Observer, has caused an uproar after an investigation which called into question key parts of the book.
The 2018 book, and film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaac, told the story of a couple, Moth and Raynor Winn, who walked Britain's 1000km South West Coast Path after their home is repossessed.
The real Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path.
Winn
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But the investigation says some of the details are wrong or misrepresented and it questions claims by Raynor Winn about her husband's diagnosis with a fatal illness, corticobasal degeneration.
In a statement, Raynor Winn has hit back at The Observer investigation saying it is "highly misleading". She said the couple are talking to their lawyers and say the book remains the "true story of our journey".
But overnight a health charity, PSPA which looks after people with corticobasal degeneration, said it had worked with the couple but it was "shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations".
The charity said: “Raynor and Moth worked with many individuals and organisations since their first book was published, including PSPA.
“We received the family’s need for support, and desire to raise awareness of PSP & CBD in good faith.
“Whilst we are thankful for the awareness opportunities their story has provided; too many questions currently remain unanswered.
“Therefore, we have made the decision to terminate our relationship with the family.
“In the meantime, we want to reassure supporters that any fundraising Raynor and Moth conducted for PSPA was via official platforms such as JustGiving and monies raised have been received in full by the charity.”
One of the allegations raised by The Observer was that the Winns had lost their home in Wales after Raynor defrauded her employer of around $NZ150,000. This differs from the book's account of how they had been left stranded after a bad business deal and an unfair court ruling.
According to The Observer, the Winns, known in real life as Sally and Tim Walker, then borrowed money to repay the missing money, secured against their house. The loan was subsequently called in and their house lost.
The Observer investigation spoke to a number of medical specialists who were doubtful of Moth/Tim's diagnosis, saying the disease is fatal within a handful of years. He has lived with the disease for 18 years. One specialist in the disease told The Observer they had never heard of someone living that long with it.
The Winns have issued a statement saying, The Observer investigation is "highly misleading”.
“We are taking legal advice and won’t be making any further comment at this time.
“The Salt Path lays bare the physical and spiritual journey Moth and I shared, an experience that transformed us completely and altered the course of our lives. This is the true story of our journey.”
The producers of the film, which hit screens this year, say they are not involved.
Number 9 Films and Shadowplay Features said in a statement: “The film is a faithful adaptation of the book that we optioned.
“The allegations made in The Observer relate to the book and are a matter for the author Raynor Winn. There were no known claims against the book at the time of optioning it or producing and distributing the film and we undertook all necessary due diligence before acquiring the book.”
