by Helen Whittle

Over the last two years Colin has always been there for me, solid as a rock.

At times, he could be a joker. It would never cease to amaze me the crazy things he would get up to…climbing the swingbridge, deciding to go for a swim in the sea, in winter, at 3am in the morning….and actually, I found in his room the other day a large wooden round knob which I believe belongs at the bottom of a staircase in a hotel in Brighton.

But despite being known as Captain Chaos, he was a serious and considerate person. I admired the way Colin could combine drive, determination and ambition with an unselfish, thoughtful and caring nature. Nothing was too much….he was loving, generous and a brilliant listener. I don't know who else could listen so patiently to me warbling on about all of my day to day issues.

One of my favourite memories of Colin was from when he came to meet me in Hawaii and we decided to do a day trip to Mauna Kea which is the highest mountain in the world (from sea level to the peak). As we reached the top, our guide warned us all as we got out of the van that we may feel a bit light headed and dizzy because of the altitude. Sure enough, as we got out I started to giggle away but Colin turned round and said 'I feel fine…I can't feel anything'. The guide overheard and said 'Well try sprinting then'. So, of course, Colin did and he started to sprint around and then he ran right up the steep track to the very peak…..and he stood there beaming back at us all. And that's how I'll remember him now……stood there at that highest point, smiling down on us all.

Who knows what would have happened between us but what I do know is that Colin showed me what love really is. No task too large and no distance too far. There will be a love for him that will live on in my heart forever.