Richard was the name given to the baby found by the canal by the hospital staff. Gallear was the surname of his adoptive abuser. Throughout the trials and terrors of his childhood, Richard survived to tell the tale in this book.
Now in his sixties, he lives in the West Midlands, not far from the Canal towpath where he was found that first freezing night of his life. Despite his ignominious start, and cruel upbringing Richard's first five years in a happy children's home, combined with his determination to stay alive as a baby and later an abused child, has helped him to grow up into a balanced and compassionate adult with loyal friends who are his family. His quest for the truth of his origins has been a long journey, but now that he knows at last, he feels at peace with it all. In his case, the truth really has set him free.