The Salt Path author Raynor Winn faces doubt over true story claims

The author of a best-selling memoirs has been caught up over questions whether her inspirational true story was actually that.

The Salt Path was released in 2018 and became a publishing sensation in the UK, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide. The book was adapted into a feature film starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, which was released in Australia in May and is still playing in select cinemas.

The book was written by Raynor Winn and purported to be the author’s real-life experiences of losing her cherished home after making a bad investment in a friend’s business. Around the same time, her husband Moth was diagnosed with a neurological disorder, corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

When the Winns became homeless and with a terminal prognosis for Moth, they decided to embark on a 1000km walk along England’s south-west coast. The journey was to be a restorative one, as they encountered different people who offered their kindness, and Winn claimed it had a positive effect on Moth’s health.

It is now 18 years after his diagnosis, defying the usual six to eight years life expectancy.

Over the weekend, British newspaper The Observer published their investigation into the Winns’ claims, whose real names were revealed to be Sally and Tim Walker.

According to The Observer, the Winns lost their home in Wales after Raynor/Sally allegedly defrauded her real estate employer of £64,000 and had to take out a £100,000 loan from a relative to repay the money and avoid a criminal charge.

The paper said the couple’s home was repossessed when that relative sued to recover the borrowed money, which in addition to their £230,000 mortgage, exceeded the value of the property.

The Observer also said medical experts cast doubt on Moth/Tim’s health claims, expressing scepticism over his long survival after diagnosis, the presentation of his symptoms and the apparent reversal of them.

Through her literary agents, Winn said in a statement, “Today’s Observer article 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 production companies behind the film adaptation told Deadline, “There were no known claims against the book at the time of optioning it or producing and distributing the film.”

They added that it had been a “faithful adaptation” and that the companies had undertaken “all necessary due diligence” before buying the rights.

A UK healthcare charity, PSPA, which supports people with CBD, has cut its ties to the Winns. In a statement to The Times, it said, “We were shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations made about Raynor and Moth Winn by the Observer this weekend.

“We know the article has taken everyone by surprise and has made people affected by corticobasal degeneration and progressive supranuclear palsy feel angry, let down and eager for clarity.

“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 this family.”

Winn published another two books after The Salt Path, The Wild Silence and Landlines, which also detail Moth’s CBD symptoms improving after the couple go on a long walk. A fourth book is due to be published later this year.