Liz, Jamie, we can’t imagine what you and your family are all going through- sending our love to you is all we can do.

Words cannot express the sorrow we are feeling at this time. Ed, you were a lovely person in every way. We count ourselves lucky that you befriended Alex early in his childhood. You and Harriette have been friends with Alex and Lauren for a long time. When we think of you, we think of that smile, the one that would brighten any day; we think of your warm, gentle disposition. We think of football, hockey and cricket. What a great sportsman and team player you became! We’re smiling now as we remember it was always a close call whether you or Alex would be the last to arrive at a game. The sign of a busy life! You were good natured and kind, the definition of nice. When I recollect many play dates at our house, I recall how hard it was for your Dad to extract you from our house. Jamie would wait so patiently rather than bustling you both out of the door, because you were having such fun. Your happiness came first. For me, it was a nice excuse to put the kettle on and have a chat! Ed, you will always be a part of our family history. We will now focus on how lucky we were that you touched our lives, particularly your friendship with Alex. We’re so glad you caught up when Alex was home at Christmas. Alex, we know, will treasure the memories of that evening and of course his many other memories of you over the years. Rest in peace Ed. Know you were truly loved by a great many people, including us xxxx

Dear Ed, The last time I saw you was at Christmas last year. Just two hours earlier, I realised in a panic that I had left my bag on the train back from London. Inside was my most treasured possession: the diary I’d written in every day for the past five years. When Oli - my brother who thought the world of you - realised you were near Euston, he knew everything would be okay. You somehow managed to track the bag down, persuade the guard to hand it over to you, and reunite me with it when I picked you up at Berko station. On the drive back to your house, I was reminded of what a warm, optimistic, and caring person you were: and how excited you were about becoming an uncle. Jamie, Liz, Harriette, and Will - Ed was a true reflection of the amazing family you are and will continue to be. He was one of those rare people who was good at whatever he turned his hand to. There’s no doubt he will live on in everyone lucky enough to have called him a friend or a teammate. All my love x