Due to the nature Paul's illness we were fortunate enough to spend precious and cherished time with him before he died, I will always be grateful for this, despite the inevitable and tragic outcome we knew loomed on the horizon. This time also meant that Paul had to show enormous strength and courage in facing the future, something I will forever admire him for hugely. He never once made us feel guilty of sad about his situation, and I've no doubt he was hiding a great deal of fear and powerful emotions in order to save us the burden of grief. Obviously we felt this anyway, but his courage is an inspiration to me and I want to acknowledge this strength. The one good outcome of the time he had, was that he was able to pen a few words to share with his loved ones at his funeral. He loved you all very much, and was a lover of life, someone who brought the best out in people and recognised the good in all of us, I hope his words below resonate with you so that you can feel and remember how much you were loved by him. I will let him have the last word: “I have been very lucky and had a wonderful life. I have also met some pretty wonderful people who have been a joy and a privilege to know. After this ceremony, take a moment to talk to anybody else here and you will meet somebody quite fantastic. That has been my joy and my legacy. Make your friendship a present to somebody else here and you will be rewarded. And please take care of my darling Julia, Alexander and Sarah. They are quite fantastic people. May the ribbons of music and art run through your lives as they have run through mine and may you all find happiness.” Paul Underwood