My father had many passions in life - sport, music, gardening and of course travel. When they went to live in Hong Kong I was sent to a boarding school.  This was a very difficult time for me.  "Why did they send me away?" I asked myself, but having had time to reflect, I realised he did this to help put me on the right path.  It taught me independence, ambition, confidence and all the things I would need to be successful.

From a very early age Sarah and I went on some magical holidays.  We really did travel the world, doing some crazy things like canoeing up a river in the Philippines to travelling across the Sahara Desert in a beat up Land Rover.  

When things did not work out for Sarah in her relationship, he became a father again, this time to my sister's children, Libby and Tom.  He was no doubt a great teacher whether it was teaching financial management or helping Libby and Tom with their homework.  He did a great job helping and teaching them, and they have both turned out to be lovely people.  

My father had a wonderful life apart from the last two years suffering with Alzheimer’s when it was mainly Sarah and Libby caring for him.  They were able to return the favour by looking after him.  

The last time I saw my father was on the Friday before he passed away and I thanked him for all the things he has passed on to me, the passion for sport, music and of course travel.

Love you dad

Stephen xxx