Dear Poppa, 

Since Emma introduced us back in 2012 and immediately I knew that I was in the company of a legend.

You welcomed me and took me in to the family as if I had been there forever.

I will never forget the happy birthday sing song down the phone each year, the trips to Cornwall, the visits to your front window in lockdown, the sneaky off cuts when carving the roast, and the relentless sledging over a game of crib. 

You showed an abundance of generosity, kindness plus pure grit and determination in the years I have known you which is the tip of the iceberg when you hear stories about your amazing life and legacy… your family always sitting at the top of the priorities list. 

I am proud our children got to meet and know you and that you could watch them growing in their early years. 

Thank you for leading by example and i hope I can be half the father/grandfather you were to your own tribe.

keep being absolutely wonderful!

Tom x