Blink lands Ben Shephard’s rousing stories of ordinary people doing remarkable things 

Blink has landed TV presenter Ben Shephard’s Humble Heroes: Inspiration Stories of Hope, Heart and Humanity, based on a social media series he started which celebrates everyday, remarkable lives.

Publishing director Susannah Otter acquired world all-language rights from Anna Dixon at YMU Group, for publication on 29th September.

Shephard, known for presenting shows such as “Tipping Point” and “Good Morning Britain”, will narrate the audiobook and be making a personal donation to a cause of each contributor’s choice.

The publisher’s synopsis reads: “Ben Shephard is passionate about people—their lives, their stories and their challenges. As a presenter of one of the UK’s most popular TV breakfast shows, and through his many interests and charity commitments, Ben frequently meets people with stories that reaffirm our collective faith in humanity.

“Humble Heroes’ origins began as a simple social media idea on Ben’s Instagram, intending to spread stories of joy and positivity. The response was phenomenal and the book reflecting the special stories was commissioned. In Humble Heroes, Ben shares the many stories of ordinary people who are doing remarkable things to try and make the world a better place. Each chapter focuses on a range of heroes across charities, innovation and communities. They explain their unique stories alongside their inspirations, resulting in a variety of life-changing and impactful legacies.

“[It] is a rousing tonic to remind us of what we can achieve through determination and positivity and of the essential goodness of human nature.”

Shephard said: “Humble Heroes has exploded into this remarkable book, full of stories of remarkable people. It’s about real people, real stories, real heroes. You might not know their faces, you might not yet know their names, but once you’ve met them, you’ll never forget them. I am thrilled to be working with Susannah and the energetic and enthusiastic team at Bonnier in this, my first book, to introduce you to these incredible people.”

Otter said: “There are many reasons not to be cheerful in this world so thank goodness for Ben and this book, a concentrated shot of optimism which will show people that doing something, however small, can always make a difference.”