Tsunami Kids

On Boxing Day 2004, Rob, Paul, Matty and Rosie Forkan lost their parents in the tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. Aged from eight to 17, they subsequently made a harrowing 200km trek across the decimated country to try and find their parents and get home. 

The bravery and ingenuity they displayed was a direct result of their unique upbringing.  When disaster struck, they had been working for charities in the Middle East and India for four years. Taken out of school at a young age, they had received an unconventional global education, learning independence and emotional resilience. 

Almost a decade after the tsunami, the two eldest brothers, Rob and Paul, had a dream. They created the multinational brand, Gandys Flip Flops, in the front room of their rented flat, and also set up the charitable foundation, Orphans for Orphans, using 10% of their profits to support children deprived of essentials such as education, nutrition and medication.

This is an enthralling, harrowing but ultimately uplifting journey from the slums of India and the tsunami, to the boardrooms of the City of London, Downing Street and beyond.