One for Sorrow relates the story of the loss of 21-year-old Tom from cancer, and how his family struggled to live through the aftermath.

When Alan started to write the book, he thought it was about his son's illness and death. He soon realised, however, that it dealt largely with own journey through that painful 'valley of the shadow of death', as someone responsible for ministering to others in similar situations. His core beliefs were challenged and his perspective on life changed.

Now retired from ministry, he is passionate about the capacity each of us has to make a difference, for the better, by living our lives to the full each and every day.