Growing up on the other side of the world, I never knew what it was like to have an uncle. Well that all changed when I met Jimmy, my mum's younger brother, whilst travelling to the UK and Europe in 1984.

We got on so well over drinks at the Red Lion (where else would you expect with Jimmy?) after surprising me after I got off the train to stay 3 nights alone at Marion's urging. What followed was great family time. A day at Farnsborough Air Show, Melanie & Darren showing off their "Australian" cousin to their friends, playing darts at the local with Jimmy and Marion. At which I was abysmal. (Smile) lunch with Marion. a visit to Auntie Shirley, Mandy & Debbie. A day out on his delivery run which was a lot of fun as mentioned by Melanie. An eye opener as everyone knew him and loved him. Always laughing and joking as our cousin Mandy also remembers him.

Again in '07 he took me under his wing again. Taking me to visit all the places important to him growing up, my paternal great-grandfather's grave, the hospital I was born in, even accompanying me to my childhood home where I knocked on the door and was invited in too. He was in his element chatting to the home owner whilst his wife showed me around the house. We visited all the local touristy places including Winchester Cathedral on Remembrance Day. We were trying to find parking as it was a busy Saturday with a farmers' market and I said what time does it start? Eerr.....deerr (smile).

The trip culminated in me deciding, and surprising Jimmy with my decision to go for a ride with him on his beloved bike. With trepidation on my part, we started our ride to Stonehenge. Much to my delight I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I was telling Marion about our day upon our return I was telling how much I had enjoyed it and how safe I felt with him. You should have seen Jimmy so chuffed as he strutted around the kitchen.

He was always concerned about the well being of others. Helping reorganise my travel routes to avoid tube stations after my mishap on one of the escalators due to my ms. He would regularly pop in and see how my nan, my dad's mum, who lived around the corner, to see how she was going and was upset at her passing.

I miss his bear hugs when you met or were leaving. Our cousin, Mandy was saying she wasn't sure if she ever thanked him for teaching her to swim. She hoped she did. Like I'm not sure I thanked him for everything he did for me but I'm sure he knew. It's sad know I won't be able to see him again but Jimmy was the best uncle you could ever ask for.