Now, he gets to celebrate its release with an audience at a COVID-safe book launch at the end of the month - with canapes and live music included.

Despite the lockdown, owner of Dymocks Nowra Ted Downes said 'Malachy' was one of the popular picks off the shelves during their click and collect service.

Read more: Dr Dominic Frawley publishes Malachy: A father's story of love, laughter and loss'

The book details the deeply personal story of Dr Frawley's son Malachy, who was affected by heart disease and sadly passed at 14-years-old.

Malachy's heart disease inspired the family, including Malachy, into activist roles with 'HeartKids', with their involvement with the cause risks dominating their lives.

Dr Frawley said he has received an "amazing" response since the book's launch and that it has struck a chord with many others.

"It seems to really be touching people who's lost someone or had a sick child of the family or raised children with difficulties," he said.

"I tried to express what it's really like to be in some of those terrible situations. And people have been giving me the feedback that it reminds them of what that was like for them."

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Releasing a book so personal felt vulnerable for Dr Frawley, but he said it was about paying tribute to his son and he is thrilled to be officially launching it at the upcoming event.

"As a family, we were all a bit apprehensive about the exposure that goes with a story that's quite personal," he said.

"As it's turned out, though, I think because it's so personal and really details what Malachy was like, it then becomes a real tribute to him. That gives me quite a positive feeling."

The book launch will be held at the Crooked River Wines in Gerringong on Saturday, October 30.

The event will kick off at 4:30pm with live entertainment from a South Coast folk band, The Water Runners.

Dr Frawley will be interviewed by television presenter and journalist Simon Reeves.

A copy of the book and a complementary drink will be served on arrival.

Representatives from HeartKids will be in attendance and $5 of ticket proceeds will go towards the charity.

To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.crookedriverwines.com/events/dominic-frawleys-book-launch/

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