London, UK – On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, Black Spring Press announced the upcoming release of “Accidental Lives” by Sylvia Holder and Lindsay Swan. This inspiring and entertaining book tells the extraordinary story of how a young man’s tragic death in a poor South Indian fishing village led to the creation of the Venkat Trust, a charity that has transformed thousands of young lives.
Holder and Swan, two fearless and funny women, share their adventures in this book. The story follows the authors’ lives as they meet in a Johannesburg PR agency and their paths cross with unlikely characters including Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and even the Wombles and the Monkees. The two women later establish their own PR consultancy, Holder Swan Public Relations, which takes them on adventures around the world, from safari trips in Zambia to visits to Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Their unconventional lives also include running a sandwich bar in the City and a PR training business, as well as building an impressive property portfolio. But at the core of their story is their unwavering friendship, their shared sense of adventure, and their belief in the power of making things happen.
As the authors reach retirement age, their lives take an unexpected turn when a young Indian boy named Venkat, whom Sylvia had sponsored through school and university, is tragically killed in a road traffic accident. Sylvia, heartbroken by the news, returns to Venkat’s village near Chennai and makes a promise to bring education and a route out of poverty to the children of the village. With the help of Lindsay, who is now aged 72, they work tirelessly to fulfill this promise, despite their lack of knowledge about India, education, and charities.
The pair’s determination and perseverance lead to the creation of a state-of-the-art 1000-pupil higher secondary school, a 400-child sponsorship scheme, and a university fund that pays the fees of 75 young people every year. Now almost 86 years old, Sylvia and Lindsay continue to work for the Venkat Trust, with the support of Venkat’s brother, JR. Their friendship and shared sense of humor are the driving force behind the charity’s incredible success.
“Accidental Lives” is a testament to the power of friendship, determination, and the belief in making a difference. The book, which will be released on 15 November 2024, is available for order at all good bookstores, as well as online at Amazon and Black Spring Press. All proceeds from the book will go towards supporting the Venkat Trust and its mission to provide education and opportunities to the children of Kovalam, India.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.