I was just 19 when my Father was killed whilst flying a naval helicopter at Portland, Dorset.  Sister Lisa was 16 and Tamsin 13.  My Mum was young and in the prime of life.  A peek at part of Tamsin's diary entry of 03 December 1984 stated 'I'm only 13, it's so unfair.'

He meant so much to us - he was affectionate, loving and had a passion for learning and living and 'his girls' meant everything to him.  He had achieved his dream of joining the Royal Navy and loved his career.  

As Captain in command of Portland Naval Base he had the chance to fly helicopters again and he was relishing it.  But one day, flying alone, he crashed.

He was a keen supporter of Seafarers UK, a charity that helps people in the maritime community, by providing vital funding to support seafarers in need and their families. My Mum fundraised actively for them too.  As fate would have it, I now work for Seafarers UK as Grants Manager, and love what we do too.

Steve, my husband, lover and friend, reminds me in so many ways of my Dad and I love his company.  We have now been married for over 20 years (together for 24) and did not want to go out for a meal, but wanted to do the CzechCheapChallenge car 'rally' to Prague.  You have to buy a 'banger' for less than £400 - we now have our 20 yr old Jag XJS that we hope will make it beyond Folkestone and all the way to Prague (via Bruges, Frankfurt & Innsbruck).

We completed the rally and got back home - last night (27 May 2014) - unbelievably the car did really well and we only had one issue. She drove beautifully but we scrapped her at the end in Prague - very reluctantly - as we thought she would keep going for miles.

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