Since my grandad passed away, I have looked through photos of him every day, each day noticing something different; his hairstyle in the 70s, which I can only assume was stylish at the time, the flairs he loved to wear and, in every photo, his genuine, warm smile. I notice in all of our pictures together that we are joined at the hip. He was my first best friend and I owe him so many thank yous. He would always talk about his nearest and dearest, his family and his friends. We all know about his love of cars, good food and trips to the seaside. Whenever I am by the sea, in an arcade or eating fish and chips, I will think back to fond memories of grandad. I suppose now I will have to learn how to check the levels in my car as I have been spoilt by grandad doing it for me. The day after he passed my car failed it’s MOT for the first time, I imagined him telling me off for going over a speed bump too quickly. Grandad made me feel like the smartest girl in the world. Even doing something as simple as changing his ringtone or googling the answer to a question, he would tell me that I am so clever. He would tell me that I am funny, beautiful and kind when I was lacking in confidence. I have my grandad to thank for helping me become the woman I am today, and for helping me realise in times of self doubt that I can do it, and that I can overcome any challenges I am faced with. He stuck up for me and cheered me on when I needed it, would do anything to support me and would even give me the last few chips on his plate. Being with him was a safe space full of pure unconditional love and for that, I will always be grateful. To say that I am lucky to be his granddaughter is an understatement. It is a blessing that I am truly grateful for and will be for the rest of my life. It is a challenge to put into words the many things that I would like to say about him. I hope I continue to make grandad proud. Rest in peace, grandad. Your memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to John. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.