As a result of research into my family tree, I have just discovered the very sad news about Brian, my first cousin, once removed. My mother, Ena, was half sister to Brian's grandmother and was always very close to all the family members over her whole life. It is of considerable personal regret that I have not maintained these links since her death in 1992, but had she been here she would certainly have wanted to contribute her thoughts. I am writing this on behalf of us both and hope that it will not cause any distress.

Although I only met Brian rarely, on family trips from the Isle of Man to Ashford, he became something of a hero to me when he came to visit us for a week in June 1954, just before his 17th birthday. I will attach the only photo I have of that trip. He spent his time exploring the south of the island, mostly on foot and always smartly dressed in jacket and tie. One day he walked along the beaches and rocks from Castletown where we lived towards Cregneash, a small village close to an area known as The Chasms, deep fissures in the rocky cliffs dropping directly down to the sea, an area strictly forbidden for me. As Brian reached the area the tide was coming in and his only escape was to climb up one of the Chasms, which he did, giving a big surprise to all the visitors at the top. When he told mum she was none too pleased at his bravado, especially when he said that if a rat had run over his hands he would have let go! But to me as an 8 year old he was so brave and fearless and I never forgot the impression it made on me. My thoughts and regards go to all Brian's family. Rest peacefully my hero.