A BOOK penned by a man diagnosed with terminal cancer has been published after his death.

Simon Boas’ autobiography A Beginners Guide to Dying was published on Thursday, September 12, the book takes the shape of a tribute to the blessings of his life, despite writing it after his diagnosis of terminal cancer which he later passed away from at the age of 47.  

He lived in Winchester from ages one to four, and then returned later for his education at Winchester College in 1989 at age twelve, where he was later married to his wife Aurelie at the college chapel.  

Simon with his wife Aurelie and dog Pippin (Image: Boas family)

His father Tony Boas, who describes his son as a 'true Wintonian', told the Hampshire Chronicle that it was here that Simon first ‘got a taste’ for overseas aid.

He went on to have a distinguished career in foreign aid that took him to destinations including Gaza and Nepal. 

Tony added: "The royalties from Simon’s book will be split between the African Palliative Care Association and the International Children’s Palliative Care Network.

"As the executive director of Jersey Overseas Aid, Simon’s job involved giving funding to relevant organisations mainly in Africa but also Ukraine and Nepal. 

"He was therefore well versed in ensuring that the recipients were effective and above-board – he had carried out similar due diligence on the two palliative care charities."

Despite the title suggesting his book is about the pessimistic inevitability of passing on, in the foreword Simon assures the reader it is ‘mostly about living and life.’

Taking an inverse perspective on his illness, Simon describes it as giving him ‘the capacity to put things into perspective.’

His meditations on dying open a gateway to reimagine the end of his life in positive and mediative notions.  

Having lived a vibrant life involving extensive travel as an overseas aid, his book is another instance of his resolve to help others.

His book recounts the ‘beautiful, heartfelt messages’ he received after writing three articles for the Jersey Evening Post, the second of which he read aloud on the Broadcasting House radio programme, which gained him extensive exposure.