For Michael... Just a couple of weeks ago I wrote to you. It was a brief note asking you to take back some gifts for Louisa in Abu Dhabi and I said “see you in May”. I cannot believe that you are gone and whilst it is so hard to express what you meant to those who loved you I feel I must try to share my memories and thoughts about you. One of the strongest images I have is of you sitting on the sofa in Louisa and Alex’s apartment and playing the guitar to Jamie. You were a very talented musician and as I have never mastered the guitar I loved listening to you play. You looked so at ease strumming away and nodding at Alex as he came into the room. There were times when you were a little quiet and would sit back playing as everyone was talking around you. It might have appeared that you weren’t listening but then you would look up and say something which usually went straight to the point and was often very funny. I can hear you making a comment in my head and see you break into smile thinking about it. You were a great story teller too, I remember last November almost crying with laughter at some of the things that had happened when you were younger. You were animated and engaging and most of all kind. You were there for people and would go out of your way to help. I always admired you for saying what you thought and not sitting on the fence. In a world where a lot of people are trying to fit in and not be too extreme I really liked that you were at times. You took a position and often you knew a lot about the subject so it was hard to win an argument with you. Whether it was your knowledge of supercars, history or the amount of protein in any given meal you always told us something we didn’t know. Your passion for knowledge meant that if you took an interest in something you really wanted to master it. I remember when I hadn’t seen you for a while I was shocked at how much you had changed physically through climbing. You didn’t do anything half way, you really dedicated yourself to what you were doing. I think this is so hard to accept for the very reason that you were such a big presence and someone I didn't contemplate not being there. I hope that you knew how special and unique you were. The impression that you have left will be there forever with those who knew you. Your legacy in my life will be to live with the purpose and determination you demonstrated in every area of your life. I will love and look after your sister always. Sarah