As many of you will know, Chris Whitehouse died of motor neurone disease on 16^th November 2021. He was 6 weeks away from his 74^th birthday. 

Before joining 5 Stone Buildings in early 2016, I had of course already heard of the legendary Chris Whitehouse, who I knew had written or contributed to virtually every book on inheritance tax in existence. Indeed, a few years before, I had even been audacious enough to review one of his works (thankfully, in glowing terms). So when I was told that I would be sharing a large, beautiful, art-filled room in the basement with Chris, I had to stop myself from blurting out “you mean, THE Chris Whitehouse?”

Chris could not have been a more welcoming roommate, and I had the great pleasure and enormous privilege of sharing a room with him for the following 4 years. His ever-present smile and joie de vivre were infectious. Despite being nothing short of a living encyclopaedia, he was one of the most approachable, charming, friendly and down-to-earth people I have ever met. I struggle to recall any occasion on which, when entering our room, he didn’t announce - with a cheeky smile and a twinkle in his eye - “I’ve just popped in on my way to the opera/a film/an exhibition/a concert”. His appetite for anything and everything artistic seemed insatiable. I also can’t remember a single occasion on which he ever lost his temper or got cross with anyone, a remarkable character trait which I have resolved to try to emulate (it’s still somewhat work-in-progress…). 

I was once told that our room sharing arrangement had been described as a ‘bromance’, which made me feel incredibly honoured. I miss him very much. 

The unspeakably cruel disease that is MND took Chris away far too soon, as it has done and continues to do with so many others. Small gesture though this is, I have decided to run my first ever marathon in Brighton on 10 April in memory of Chris and to try to help the fight against MND. 

I would be very grateful for any contribution, however small, which will go straight to MNDA. Thank you very much.