Raynor Winn, the celebrated author of the bestselling memoir The Salt Path, has issued a firm denial against new allegations that she stole money from members of her own family. Winn described the claims, which feature in a new Sky documentary, as part of a sustained 'false narrative' about her life.
Details of the Alleged Letter
The fresh accusations centre on a letter, reportedly written over a decade ago, in which Winn allegedly confessed to taking funds from relatives. According to a report by The Observer, Winn's niece claims the author typed the letter, stating she had transferred £25,000 from her husband's parents' account during a financial crisis.
The alleged letter, addressed to Winn's sister, is said to read: "Please don't look any further for the money. I've taken it. All of it... I have a police record and should this go any further I will go to prison this time." It reportedly explains the money was moved when the couple's mortgage was threatening to foreclose.
The Observer stated it verified the contents with four members of Winn's family and four relatives of her husband, Moth. The niece alleges the letter was given to her by Winn's sister before her death last year.
Winn's Forceful Rejection and Ongoing Controversy
In a statement released by her representatives, Winn, whose real name is Sally Walker, categorically rejected the claims. "I did not steal from family, as others can confirm. Nor have I confessed to doing so and I did not write the letter suggesting I did," she said.
She accused Tortoise Media's Observer and documentary makers of seeking to 'drive a wedge' between family members. Winn reiterated that her husband was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration and that they lost their home due to "a financial dispute with a lifelong friend".
These latest claims follow an ongoing controversy where Winn has faced accusations of fabricating parts of her 2018 memoir. The Salt Path recounts how she and Moth walked the 630-mile South West Coast Path after losing their Welsh home and as Moth faced a terminal diagnosis.
A previous investigation presented claims that the couple lost their home after Winn took a private mortgage to repay £67,000 she was alleged to have taken from an employer in 2008. Winn has expressed regret for 'mistakes' made during that time.
Impact and Aftermath
Despite the controversies, The Salt Path has been a phenomenal commercial success. Winn is said to have earned millions of pounds from book sales, public events, and a film adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
In her closing statement, Winn addressed her readers directly: "To everyone who has read and loved my books, thank you. Nothing has changed. The Salt Path remains my honest recollection of the time when we lost our house and found hope on the coast path."
The new documentary promises to explore these allegations further, ensuring this personal and literary saga remains in the public eye.
