A WIDOW who published her husband’s memoirs of his adventurous past has seen the book reach the top of an Amazon chart.

Helen Banks, 57, decided to publish her husband’s recollection of their drive from Rochford to Capetown in 2012.

Her husband Michael Banks, 71, wrote about the trip after being diagnosed with cancer, but didn’t live to see if published.

Now it has reached the top spot in Amazon’s adventure travel category.

Helen said: “Michael was given a year to live, but was here for 18 months. The book gave him something to live for. He was striving to finish it.

“The book has only been out a couple of days and it has already reached number one in the adventure category.

“I am so proud of him. The book is complied of some of the blogs he wrote during our travels as well as other exciting stories, such as when we had a mishap and drove into a huge hole.”

Helen, of St Lukes Road, Rochford, went on many adventures with her husband.

In 1999 they travelled the world on bicycles for two years, but their adventures came to an end when Michael died from cancer in July this year.

The couple had been together for 17 years, but only married in May.

At his funeral earlier this month, mourners rode on bicycles to the service at Southend Crematorium and his coffin was carried in to the theme from Indiana Jones film Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Helen believes the book, titled Driving Dark Africa – The Journey Of An Accidental Adventurer, is a fitting lasting tribute to him.

She added: “Mick has got a way with words, a lot of people really enjoyed his blogs. The book has sold 30 copies in a couple of days.”

Copies of the book can be purchased on Amazon, as an e-book for £2.49. It will shortly be available as a paperback.