I lost my incredible Grandfather Geoffrey to Covid in November of 2020. He was such a special, caring, generous and funny man. We were all so lucky to have him in our lives and it was a terrible, painful loss to our entire family to have him taken from us in the way he was.

 

I have so many fantastic memories with my grandfather who was always so incredibly supportive and always had time for all of his grandchildren. He was full of jokes and stories. I used to love sitting and listening to him, asking him questions. He was a walking talking encyclopaedia of local history, facts, people and places. You couldn’t walk down Broadstairs high street with him and not run into someone he knew.

 

But he also had stories about places that weren’t so local. My grandfather was born in Mauritius. This beautiful, tiny island in the Indian Ocean meant so much to him.

When he returned later in life to visit, passport control in Mauritius looked at his passport, then to him and simply said “welcome to your country”. This story which epitomised the friendly welcoming nature of Mauritians was one he would frequently share. I would listen eagerly every time.

 

Earlier this year my wife and I had our first child, a beautiful boy. I know my grandfather would have absolutely adored him and it upsets me they will never meet. But I am thankful & grateful of all the time I had with my amazing Grandad. All the stories, jokes, pranks and tales he told me. I am glad I have so much to one day share with my son about the amazing man he was named after.

 

Starting on my Grandfathers birthday April 26th 2022 I will be undertaking a 10 day walk covering 205 This distance is the exact distance of the Mauritian coastline, a detail I know he would have appreciated. All donations will be going directly to to the league of friends QEQM, a truly fantastic cause, who make such a difference.