christine horgan

Every parent's fear is not to be there for their child, to answer their questions, to give them advice and guide them through life.

When Jordan Ferguson was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of thirty-four and told he had only months to live, a psychologist advised him to write a letter to his nine year old son Sebastian for when he wasn't there - a letter with words and advice to help him when he was growing up. But Jordan wanted to leave a lasting legacy for his son. He decided to gather together words of wisdom and advice from a host of Irish people who have succeeded and excelled in life. The result is Dear Sebastian, a collection of letters to a young boy from writers, politicians, artists, clergy, sports stars, musicians and business people with their poignant, honest and inspirational thoughts on living life in the best way possible. The letters in Dear Sebastian deal with the pain of loss but above all they speak of hope, of the optimism of life, and the enduring power of love.

Jordan passed away quickly and without having had the chance to write his own letter to Sebastian. In his final days, he asked his mother to complete the book. She gave him her word that she would do this. Jordan died on 27 June 2008.

Dear Sebastian is a father's remarkable legacy of love to his son.

Contributors include: Gay Byrne, Ronan O'Gara, Shay Given, Derek Davis, Christy Moore, Pat Kenny, JP McManus, Gloria Hunniford, John Magnier, Daniel O'Donnell, Sr Stan, Brian Cowen TD, Pauline Bewick, Patrick Kielty, Nicky Byrne and many others.