Ben, the world is certainly a much poorer place without you in it.

You were an amazing man, husband, father and friend. Despite being so modest, you always seemed to have endless talents from sailing your Hobie Cat and larger craft, cycling (including Lands End to John O’Groats before it became trendy), DIY, IT and even skittles to name but just a few. Always great company you had time for everyone, never had a bad word to say and enjoyed very broad interests. I am sure those you leave behind will all have wonderful memories that we will treasure and celebrate in years to come. There are so many but for me these would certainly include your leap-year wedding to the love of your life, Helen, visiting us in the US with a very young Alex and Charlotte, an epic cycle safari pub tour, settling with Helen in Chiselborough, sailing to the Scilly Isles, skiing on a boys’ long weekend trip to France as well as wonderful evenings in our 20s chatting over a beer and putting the world to rights. And more recently you have shown fortitude beyond belief following your diagnosis, still finding time for people despite being so ill.

Ben, you will be sorely missed and I’m sure by many more people than you would have ever imagined.

Keith