Tsunami Kids Our Journey from Survival to Success

The true story of four siblings who lost their parents in the devastating Sri Lankan tsunami and how they turned tragedy into inspiration On December 26, 2004, Rob, Paul, Matty, and Rosie Forkan tragically lost their parents in the tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka. Aged from 8 to 17, they subsequently faced a harrowing and solitary 124 mile trek across the decimated country to get home to safety. The bravery, ingenuity, and resilience they displayed was the result of their unusual upbringing. Taken out of school at a young age, they received an unconventional and global education, learning independence and resourcefulness while carrying out voluntary work for charities in India alongside their parents. In the decade since the tsunami, Rob and Paul have achieved an incredible feat. They have created a multinational brand, Gandy's Flip Flops, based in the front room of their rented flat and endorsed by entrepreneurs including Richard Branson, and set up Orphans for Orphans, a charitable organization that uses 10% of the profits to support children deprived of education, nutrition, and medication. This is a heartbreaking, engaging, but ultimately uplifting journey from the streets of Sri Lanka to the boardrooms of London and beyond, as told by two inspirational survivors.

Rob Forkan and Paul Forkan are the cofounders of Gandys Flip Flops and Orphans for Orphans. They wrote their story with the cooperation of younger siblings Matty and Rosie, who also shared their unimaginable journey.