A Knock at the Door: The True Story of Ronnie Lockwood and Rob Parsons

‘An incredible read. I laughed, I cried and my heart was truly touched by this beautifully written true story of hope and humanity at its best.’ Rosemary Conley CBE

'An extraordinary story. Truly Inspirational' Tim Vine

Discover an astonishing story of kindness, self-learning, pain, unbelievable hope, and the sheer power of love to change a life in A Knock at the Door. This true account by Rob Parsons details the remarkable 45-year relationship between a young lawyer and a homeless man named Ronnie Lockwood.

Christmas 1975. As Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ tops the charts, a persistent knocking breaks the stillness outside a Cardiff home. Rob Parsons, a young lawyer, opens his door to find a man with a bag of belongings and a frozen chicken. Rob and his wife, Dianne, offer him shelter for the night, an act that blossoms into an extraordinary bond.

Ronnie Lockwood, a homeless man, became a part of the Parsons family for over four decades until his death. While their lives appeared vastly different – Ronnie emptying rubbish bins as Rob flew on Concorde – they found common struggles. At the couple's lowest moment, they turned to Ronnie for help.

The book highlights remarkable turnarounds: Ronnie's extensive volunteering, including at a homeless centre, led to a £1.6 million well-being centre being named in his honour. Rob left his law practice to co-found a charity that has impacted millions.

At its heart, A Knock at the Door delivers a simple, powerful message: regardless of background, tomorrow does not have to be like yesterday.

Specifications:

• Author: Rob Parsons
• Publisher: William Collins
• Publication Date: 20 November 2025
• Language: English
• Print Length: 368 pages
• ISBN-10: 000870869X
• ISBN-13: 978-0008708696
• Item Weight: 268 g
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 3.2 x 19.8 cm
• Binding: Paperback

This compelling narrative, ranked highly in categories like Adoption and Social & Urban History Biographies, offers a profound look at human connection and the potential for change.