Book boost for oncology ward

Paul Highton (61), of Dunedin, arrives by helicopter to the Sons of the South book launch in Dunedin last night with his wife Jan and his son Joe, who is holding the family dog, Pebbles.

About 200 people attended the book launch, being held at the old High Tide restaurant building in Kitchener St.

''I was absolutely delighted - blown away. I was humbled by the number of people there.''

Nearly all the 250 first-run copies had sold and a second print run was planned, Paul Highton said.

All the proceeds from the $20 books would be given to the Dunedin Hospital oncology ward, where his acute leukaemia was treated.

Mr Highton wrote the book during the eight months spent in the ward receiving chemotherapy.