'The one thing no parent should have to do is to outlive their child. When your child dies, it is not possible to describe your feelings of guilt and anguish.'

In this deeply moving book, Lionel Wilkes tells the story of his son Ian, whose short life was plagued by epilepsy, autism and various other ailments.

Even as a beautiful baby, Ian was already showing signs of the illness that would rule his and his family's waking hours.

His erratic behaviour, violent tantrums and fits, the medical profession's ignorance or indifference meant the Wilkeses had to cope almost single-handedly with the stress of their son's disability.

His untimely death at the age of thirty-five left his parents with feelings of both sorrow and guilt, compounded by a dubious coroner's verdict. Yet this is no bleak account of a wasted life.

Despite the downside, Ian emerges as a lively, affectionate young man with a wonderfully supportive family.

This and the wealth of amusing anecdotes remind the reader that this is ultimately a story about optimism. Strength and unconditional love.