What was the No 1 record all over the world in 1990? Timmy Mallett's recording of of Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini! Since then, the host of Wacaday, with his 'utterly brilliant' catchphrase, fantastic specs and vivacious personality has continued to cheer millions of lives. In the spring of 2018, as the 'Beast from the East' hit northern Europe, Timmy needed every bit of his natural exuberance. He had undertaken to cycle the 2,500 miles from his home to Santiago de Compostela in memory of his brother Martin, who was born with Downs Syndrome and had died just a few days earlier. This was a journey of exploration, honouring Martin's outlook on life that everyone can reach their potential. And so with his painting gear strapped to his bike, Timmy (an increasingly renowned artist) set off, blessed by letters of support from the Archbishop of York, the Bishops of Oxford and Winchester, Prime Minister Theresa May, Prince William and President Macron of France. Full of unexpected moments, Timmy's account of his pilgrimage along a route travelled by so many over the centuries weaves together history and biography in a hugely entertaining manner. It is undergirded by a touchingly deep faith and conveys, beyond all else, how important it is to live every moment of every day.
