Simon Shepherd Simon Shepherd died in March 2008 at the age of 33 from brain cancer. He left his wife Steph and their daughter Scarlett, 2.

We shared with Simon a very special time in our lives when in 2006, our wives/girlfriends were all pregnant for the first time and were due to give birth on similar dates. We met at the local National Child Trust anti-natal classes where for six sweltering weeks we learned all about babies.

Simon was very excited about becoming a dad and when Scarlett was born told me life was perfect. He was a devoted husband and father and for him to be taken from his family at such a young age is simply a tragedy.

Shortly after Simon was diagnosed, I remember having a pretty frank chat with him in the pub about the future. He was incredibly optimistic and positive about his journey ahead, appeared fearless, brave and determined. I don't know many people like him.

He is deeply missed by us all (and the landlord of The Ship Pub in Marlow) and I know were he with us, we would all be very good mates now.

Please take one minute now and think about your own lives and what it would mean to you if you lost your partner suddenly. For Simon and his memory, please give generously to our chosen charity, the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.

Thank you.