Best Day of My Life: True stories to inspire, move and entertain - Told by a cross-section of the UK's celebrities and courageous everyday people

Book excerpt: In this unique anthology of more than 80 personal stories, subjects ranging from the frivolous to the deadly serious combine to paint a picture of humanity at its most upbeat. A housewife and mother describes her extraordinary achievement in becoming one of the first two women to walk to both of the Earth's poles. Gavin and Stacey writer/co-star James Corden recalls welcoming his beloved father home from the first Gulf War. Former champion rugby player Phil Greening celebrates avoiding a life of crime and winning his first cap for England. Comedian Alan Carr recounts his nerve-wracked triumph at The Royal Variety Performance, while 'Keith' from The Office describes the day he won his hilarious supporting role. Alongside the above are moving personal testimonies of becoming the youngest man to climb Everest, escaping death in Iraq, recovering from cancer - and release into the outside world after 13 years of wrongful imprisonment. THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE will enlighten, amuse, and provide the perfect tonic for those days when life just seems to get you down