In an exclusive revelation, Dave Thompson, a 64-year-old former pub manager, has shared his extraordinary story of how life on a 57ft narrowboat rescued him from the depths of despair following the tragic loss of his wife. His journey from contemplating suicide to finding peace on England's picturesque waterways serves as a powerful testament to human resilience.
A Dream Turned to Tragedy
Dave and his wife Sue had been living what seemed like a perfect dream. Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary atop Mount Teide in Tenerife, they made the bold decision to relocate to the Canary Islands in March 2012, leaving behind their Manchester home with just £50,000 to start anew. "We were so happy," Dave reflects, describing their idyllic life where he worked as a pub singer and Sue as a chef.
Tragically, this paradise was shattered when Sue was diagnosed with cancer. Just one month after detection, she passed away in April 2013 at age 50. The cancer had spread throughout her body, with doctors unable to specify its exact type. Dave now believes Sue may have suspected her condition during their mountain celebration, choosing to enjoy her remaining time rather than undergo aggressive treatments.
The Descent into Darkness
Returning to the UK with nothing but a suitcase, kayak, and bicycle, Dave found himself completely adrift. "I lost everything - the love of my life and our dream together," he confesses. Sofa-surfing between friends and family, he felt utterly homeless and hopeless. "That kind of loss hits you like a truck. It renders you paralysed, speechless," Dave explains. "I felt like I had nothing left to live for."
This profound despair led Dave to attempt suicide through an overdose, waking up in Wythenshaw Hospital. Yet this darkest moment would become the turning point toward an unexpected salvation.
Salvation on the Waterways
Dave's brother provided the crucial lifeline - purchasing a £32,000 narrowboat that Dave named Inspired By Nature. This 57ft vessel became more than transportation; it became home, security, and ultimately, salvation. "I finally had somewhere I could call home. It was safety, it was security, it was a port in a storm," Dave describes. "I could breathe out for the first time in years."
For eight years now, Dave has lived as a "continuous cruiser," traveling England's waterways, particularly around Cheshire, never staying more than two weeks in one location. His remarkably frugal lifestyle costs just £90 annually for propane gas, with solar panels providing electricity. While he avoids mooring fees through constant movement, he pays £1,500 yearly for his Canal & River Trust licence.
Rebuilding Life Piece by Piece
Dave's YouTube channel, also called Inspired by Nature, documents his daily life and provides a modest income through subscriber support. "This narrowboat has saved my life," he states unequivocally. "I've rebuilt my home - and myself - piece by piece." He acknowledges the practical advantages too: "I wouldn't have been able to afford a flat and the bills that would have come with it. This is perfect for me."
His story features in tonight's episode of Ben Fogle: New Lives In The Wild on Channel 5, where he shares how complete immersion in nature has helped process his grief. "It's been 12 years now and I think of Sue often - even now," Dave admits. "But there are so many stories on these canals, and I've made so many friends."
A Therapeutic Existence
Living without schedules or watches, Dave embraces complete freedom. "I don't have to get up for work. There's nothing in the diary, I don't look at the time," he explains. His days involve playing guitar, photographing wildlife like rare kingfishers, and simply observing nature. "When it rains I sit on the roof and listen to the sound of the rain on my umbrella. It's therapeutic," he shares.
Dave has discovered that canal life attracts many navigating similar transitions. "It's a cheap way to live, so people often end up on a narrowboat after divorce or loss," he observes. "And there's a whole generation of younger people here now too, who can't afford to get on the property ladder."
Finding Contentment in Solitude
While Dave values his solitude, he acknowledges missing companionship. "I was married for 26 years and we did everything together, me and Sue. I miss waking up in the morning with somebody next to me," he confesses. "It would be nice to share a cup of tea with someone too when there's a blizzard outside."
Yet he has no desire to abandon his watery home. "I wouldn't want to leave my boat, I love this lifestyle. I've found the person I was meant to be," Dave asserts. "I have my memories of Sue, and I'll treasure them forever. But sometimes we have to move on. It doesn't do us any good to dwell on the past."
A Transformed Man
Today, Dave wakes each morning with gratitude. "I've come a long way and I'm really proud of what I've achieved," he says. "I can honestly say that I am happy again, content." He believes Sue would approve of his transformation: "I think Sue would be proud of me if she could see me. She'd say, 'who is this positive man? You've changed.'"
Dave Thompson's journey from devastating loss to peaceful contentment demonstrates how unconventional paths can lead to healing. His narrowboat hasn't just provided shelter; it has offered a completely new way of being that has "changed me irrevocably - and saved my life in the process."
