Never Will I Die: The inspiring Special Forces soldier who cheated death and learned to live again

Read this in 3 days after having seen it on a random search. Though his injury happened at same time I was in Camp Bastion ED, I wonder whether I came across him. Nonetheless, the book is not only brilliant, it’s written well and there is lots of honesty and compassion in the narrative. It’s written differently to a lot SF books and belies the integrity of character and emotional maturity. The story of his journey is visceral and innocent at times and it’s this that pulls you in and challenges you to think about where he has been and where he is going. He also has a keen sense of empathy and the book talks about this in his journey through his second life. Hopefully, he will think about becoming an author and maybe give us a ‘life 3’ chapter. Thank you Toby, you are an inspiration.

I picked this up on a whim having seen the front cover in Waterstones.I’m an avid reader of military history, and thought this would be an easy page turner, which it was. But the bravery, and profound sense of the fragility of life is amazing.In parts you can sense a little arrogance, which is something you probably need to be a special forces operative, but overall you are left with a feeling of how brave Toby, and men and women like him are.Great book, highly recommend.

A totally immersive read in to the life of this truly remarkable man. His strength of spirit to keep going through what was without a doubt, a catastrophic trauma is inspirational beyond words. Brilliantly written and will have you laughing, crying, holding your breath with anticipation and raging with anger. It also gives an insight in to how our armed forces personnel can be so badly failed at their most vulnerable time. Thankfully, it would seem that Toby now has the dedicated care support system in place that he so rightly deserves. Some would say that if you are having a bad day then just think of him and you'll realise that he represents that there is someone far worse off than you. For him to be thought in such a way would be disrespectful to say the least. Be inspired by how he has adapted, overcome and forged a new way of life whilst still retaining the strong core values of the military man that he will always be. It feels to me that the last thing Toby would want or need, is to be pitied

I read the book more or less straight through - very little time to think about anything else. There is such a rich seam of integrity and authenticity in the book. Toby doesn't pull any punches about the whole life story with its ups and its downs. On the one hand he describes his insecurities and some of his frailties, on the other hand his ambition, his drive - even admitted to some snapshots of vanity - which simply makes his humanity more real. The most impressive part though is what happens after he hits what he calls "rock-bottom". He has gathered himself up against utterly overwhelming odds. No appeals for clemency and utterly without complaint he got a grip of the monstrous life which was his reality and he wrestled that dragon to the ground. True courage and true inspiration - Toby has always won in the end, and now he has won his hardest battle yet. Even Zelensky would be inspired. Can somebody send a copy to Prince Harry?

I came across Toby’s story by recommendation of a friend and boy did his book not disappoint! It’s an excellent read for anyone interested in the Royal Marines or SBS way of life, a stunning insight to a seriously inspiring man’s way of thinking and a triumph of resilience and will to life. Humbling and encouraging to all of us at the same time. Grateful to Toby for writing it!

Well written and thoughtful - Toby is obviously an inspirational character. Puts the life of a SF operator into real perspective.

This book couldn’t have been an easy journey for Toby. To relive his darkest moments and struggles and boy they must’ve been hard. I’m privileged to have known Toby, having lived near him in Poole. Reading this book highlights just how little we were aware of the adversity he faced. I cannot recommend this read enough. For anyone struggling with anything in this world that can be so cruel, Toby is an inspiration to us all. My favourite quote is “Brave men admit they need help” - how so very, very true. Thank you Toby, from the bottom of my heart. You didn’t have to share your journey with us, but I’m so glad that you did.

What a book, couldnt put it down. As a civilian it was a bit of a shock to read that when professional soldiers like Toby get injured defending our freedon and way of life, the system which you would think would be in place for his rehabilitation just wasnt there for him when he needed it.This book is a moving story and I found myself thinking about it for a few days after I had finished it. Toby's world and his fascinating life has really had an effect on me, so much so I went on the website and bought one of his hoodies which supports worthy causes and I havent had it off my back since I recieved it, quality gear.I wish him all the best in everything he does in the futureSteve D

Wow…. I have read and experienced much about over coming adversity but… this is such a raw vulnerable and authentic depiction of a man facing his worst nightmare and somehow returning to life on life’s hard terms. Brilliant!

Having known Toby as a young boy in South Africa, it is incredible to read his story. So much I was not aware if after we left South Africa. You have done well, and your parents and Tony should be very proud of you.

Such an inspirational story of will power whilst facing unbelievable odds, which most people will never know. Love the heart warming tales of South Africa.