Happy Father’s Day, Dad

Dad was such a huge influence in my life – although I am not sure he knew. I lost him on 5 November 2003 and I will remember for as long as I live, being with him when he took his final breath. I loved him so much and watching him die was just awful. Today I wanted to pay tribute to a man who I miss very much, so here is a snippet of the speech I made at his funeral.

“Dad would certainly not want us to mourn his passing but instead celebrate knowing him and indeed his life. I asked him a couple of weeks before he died whether he had any regrets, he looked at me with a huge smile and said ‘Anna, I achieved more than I ever imagined, travelled the world, have met the most wonderful people and have a great family who love me…now ask me that question again if you feel you have to!’

If we are to honour his memory the way he would want, let’s hope that all of us here, can show the compassion he showed, make the time for our friends and family the way he did and hopefully that will be a fitting tribute to a man who brought so much love to the world.

….An extraordinary man who has left a legacy that will never be forgotten”