It was just over a year ago that Phil Holmes tragically passed away

Phil was a colleague to many of us and a beloved friend to even more.

I was truly inspired by the way Phil was able to face the most challenging adversity in such an effortless way, and in that way he truly was and always will be an example to us all.

He had a zest for life which was infectious and almost astounding when you consider the challenge he was facing. He had an uncanny way of being so open and honest about what he was going through that you could not help being endeared to his cause and in the same breath embarrassed by whatever menial thing you had been wrestling over that day.

There are 8.4 billion humans living in this wonderful and sometimes crazy world - I cannot help think that if more of them saw life like Phil, it would certainly be a better place.

His story is a lesson to us all, in how we can all find a way to smile in spite of the scale and challenge of any adversity we face.

He will always be remembered.

On Fri 23 Nov I will be using a push scooter (basically a big kids scooter!), to scoot from St Albans into Haringey (London). It’s a small thing to honour and remember him and raise some money for a good cause, whilst letting his family know that he’s not forgotten.

It’s about 25km as the crow flies, but I’m not a bird, cannot fly, so I won’t be able to use main highways so it’s more likely to be 30km and take about 6 hours. On the same day Rob Mathers-Reilly will also be undertaking a 10km hike through the Epping Forest, again to remember Phil.

If you are able to pledge a donation - that would be truly wonderful. All money raised will go to

• Donation to support the fight against Cancer.
• Arranging a Xmas hamper to be sent to Phil’s wife and family to let them know that we still remember him.