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Halliday Books owner Nicholas Halliday has apologised after a press release was sent out promoting a book about coping with the bereavement of children using the death of David Cameron's son as the news hook. The publisher has suspended a member of staff after what Halliday called "a very stupid mistake" when an email was sent out to its entire database.
The press release said: "We’ve all been touched by the tragic news of the death of David and Samantha Cameron’s ‘beautiful boy'." It added: "Halliday Books publish The Lonely Tree, the best selling picture book for children about child bereavement. We’ve already sent a signed and dedicated copy to the Camerons this morning but would like to introduce you to this charming title in case you don’t already know it. It would be a perfect soft tie-in to this news story."
The Conservative party leader's son Ivan died on Wednesday. The six-year-old had cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Halliday told The Bookseller: "From my side the wording and timing were wrong but the sentiment was right. I can't tell you the thoughts that are going through my head. You can't play with these things, they aren't to play with."
"I have personally issued an apology and retraction of the email and would ask that this is seen as a very badly judged mistake by an individual and not representative of our company. I was very saddened to hear the news of David Cameron’s son and would like to issue an apology for any offence caused. While I did not sanction the sending of the email I am taking full responsibility for the error."
Halliday said that although the mistake was made by a member of staff who had only been with the company for a couple of months, the "buck must stop with me". He added that charities and hospitals such as Great Ormond Street have been very interested in the title despite the negative press.