Our parents gave us an unconventional childhood. We were never protected from the more challenging aspects of life. But I never felt vulnerable and it has served me well. They had faith in our ability to navigate our way through, with their help. They enacted their faith in outward-looking ways. Among other projects, my parents fought hard for St Matthew's Church, High Street Swansea, to become a centre for homeless people, refugees and sex-workers.. and it happened.  It is unique in the area, in having a designated nurse, available to ensure that the people who used the centre were kept as healthy as possible, had regular HIV tests and generally cared for within their own situations. I am often reminded that The Cyrenians (an earlier hostel for homeless people) would also not have succeeded without their input and involvement. We spent time with homeless people there and in our own home, getting to know their stories and understanding as best we could, their circumstances. I was deeply moved at my mother's funeral, to see one of our long-term homeless friends from The Cyrenians at the back of the church. As my mother's coffin was carried past, he saluted her. It soothes my heart to think how loved they were by their community, just as they loved in return. I am told by so many that they were special people, who touched the hearts of so many. I feel very honoured to have had them as my parents.

In memory of the outreach work of both my parents, if you wish, please donate to Shelter Cymru in lieu of flowers. It would mean a great deal to them, and to us.

Rest in Peace, and Rise in Glory, Daddy.

Thank you,

Our love,

Amy, Kris, Morgan, Elias, Dan, Beth, Lili & Erin

Christ the Caller

You are the caller

You are the poor

You are the stranger 

At my door

You are the wanderer

The unfed

You are the homeless

With no bed

You are the man

Driven insane

You are the child

Crying in pain

You are the other

Who comes to me

If I open to another

You are born in me.

(David Adam)