Redemption
From Iron Bars to Ironman
Published on 6. October 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-83680-249-5 (ISBN)
Description
Fascinating, frightening and inspirational autobiography of former career criminal, world-record holder and endurance athlete John McAvoy. Huge appeal to readers of various genres, but especially sport and true crime.
Written with renowned sportswriter Mark Turley. Read and discover how:
John's uncle Micky was one of the key players in the legendary Brinks-Mat gold bullion caper
John bought his first gun at 16 and carved out a lucrative career in armed robbery - at one point he was one of Britain's most-wanted men
Two spells in prison and the death of a friend on a botched heist changed his path
During his second stint in jail he discovered a miraculous natural talent while serving life in the Belmarsh high security unit - John broke three world rowing records while still an inmate
After his release he transformed his life, becoming one of the UK's leading Ironman competitors
Redemption is a first-hand and fast-paced account of a life turned around - the ultimate story of sporting salvation.
Written with renowned sportswriter Mark Turley. Read and discover how:
John's uncle Micky was one of the key players in the legendary Brinks-Mat gold bullion caper
John bought his first gun at 16 and carved out a lucrative career in armed robbery - at one point he was one of Britain's most-wanted men
Two spells in prison and the death of a friend on a botched heist changed his path
During his second stint in jail he discovered a miraculous natural talent while serving life in the Belmarsh high security unit - John broke three world rowing records while still an inmate
After his release he transformed his life, becoming one of the UK's leading Ironman competitors
Redemption is a first-hand and fast-paced account of a life turned around - the ultimate story of sporting salvation.
Reviews / Votes
"John McAvoy is the greatest success story in British Justice history." -- Phillip Lee MP * Secretary of State for Youth Justice * "One of the best introductions to a sporting title you're ever likely to read. Compelling. Engaging." * SportsBookoftheMonth.com " * "As sporting stories go, the one McAvoy, now aged 33, tells in his newly published autobiography is extraordinary. He was born into organised crime." * The Daily Telegraph * "From a life sentence and sharing a prison wing with Abu Hamza, to breaking nearly every UK indoor rowing record going, John McAvoy's is the quintessential story of redemption through sport." * Row-360.com * "The story of John McAvoy is not your normal triathlon tale. This is the (true) story of how sport, and triathlon, has helped transform a convicted armed robber to Ironman. A great read - a fascinating insight into another world. Couldn't put it down." * Tri247.com *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Hove
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 26 mm
Weight
342 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83680-249-5 (9781836802495)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Book
09/2019
Pitch Publishing Ltd
€16.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Persons
John McAvoy has collaborated with Mark Turley to write his life story. Mark is the author of various sports books, including Journeymen: the Other Side of the Boxing Business and Beyond Good and Evil: Glyn Rhodes MBE, a Life in Boxing. His journalism has appeared in The Telegraph, Men's Fitness, Boxing News, Sport Magazine and many other outlets. He is also a boxing correspondent for BBC Sport.