Horse Whisperer writer poisoned

2008-09-03 19:11

London - The author of the international best-selling book The Horse Whisperer was recovering on Wednesday after falling ill from eating poisonous mushrooms.

Nicholas Evans was staying with his wife Charlotte at her brother's estate in western Scotland when he became ill.

Evans and his wife, along with her brother and his wife, were taken to hospital where it was established they had eaten a rare variety of mushroom called Cortinarius Speciosissimus.

This type of mushroom is highly toxic, with the toxins attacking the kidneys in particular.

Evans and the other three members of his family were then transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where they were given dialysis and other kidney treatment.

"They have been given dialysis and other forms of treatment to support their kidney function and have responded well," said a statement released by Evans' London-based literary agent AP Watt.

Positive frame of mind

"A family friend who visited them this weekend said they were all walking about and were in a cheerful and positive frame of mind.

"They are all extremely grateful for the rapid and effective intervention provided by the National Health Service."

The party had picked the mushrooms in local woodland and cooked and ate them on Saturday August 23, but became ill the next day.

The Horse Whisperer, published in 1995, has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide and was made into a film starring Robert Redford in 1998.

- AFP