The Salt Path author Raynor Winn says she is ‘devastated’ by accusations her husband
The Salt Path author Raynor Winn has been left ‘devastated’ by accusations that her husband’s debilitating illness was fabricated.
Questions had been raised about the condition suffered by her husband Moth – corticobasal degeneration [CBD] – a rare neurological condition in the same family as Parkinson’s disease, which is central to the book.
Life expectancy after diagnosis is around six to eight years, according to the NHS – however Moth has been living with the condition for 18 years with no apparent visible symptoms.
An investigation by The Observer newspaper heard from a number of neurologists specialising in CBD, one of which said that Moth’s history with the illness ‘does not pass the sniff test’.
Raynor has since responded to the ‘heart breaking’, ‘vile’ and ‘heinous’ accusations following what she says ‘have been some of the hardest [days] of my life’.
To combat the backlash, Raynor shared images of three clinic letters, which she claims proves Moth has been receiving treatment for the condition for several years.
‘With Moth’s permission, and on the advice of his neurologist, I am releasing excerpts from three clinic letters, showing he is treated for CBD/S and has been for many years,’ the author wrote on her Instagram.
‘This is deeply personal information that no-one should ever be forced to share, but we feel we have no choice in the face of this unbelievably hurtful false narrative,’ she added.
The Salt Path author Raynor Winn (right) has been left ‘devastated’ by accusations that her husband’s debilitating illness was fabricated
Raynor Winn at home in Cornwall. She has become a huge success since her book’s release
Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in the film adaptation of The Salt Path, released in May
Following the allegations of Moth’s condition, healthcare charity PSPA, which has worked with the Winns, terminated their relationship.
‘We were shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations made about Raynor and Moth Winn by The Observer this weekend,’ a statement on the charity’s website read.
‘We know the article has taken everyone by surprise and has made people affected by Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) feel angry, let down and eager for clarity.
‘Raynor and Moth worked with many individuals and organisations since their first book was published, including PSPA.
‘We received the family’s need for support, and desire to raise awareness of PSP & CBD in good faith.
‘Whilst we are thankful for the awareness opportunities their story has provided; too many questions currently remain unanswered. Therefore, we have made the decision to terminate our relationship with the family.’
The writer has also been accused of omitting key elements of her story in her account of losing her home before embarking on a mammoth trek of the South West Coast Path.
More than two million people have read her popular 2018 memoir but the author is now facing claims the story may not be as ‘unflinchingly honest’ as initially billed.
Raynor Winn and Moth pictured at a screening for The Salt Path in May 2025
In the book, Winn said she and her husband Moth lost a fortune – and their home in Wales – due to a bad investment in a friend’s business.
But Raynor has also been accused of embezzling £64,000 from a former employer and was allegedly arrested.
A loan was then allegedly taken out to avoid prosecution and when this was not paid their home was sold, it has been claimed.
A spokesman for the Winns previously told the Mail that the allegations made in the Sunday newspaper were ‘highly misleading’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.