I was lucky enough to be Elspeth’s neighbour for the last 10 years, and what a great pleasure that has been. She was so striking for her gentle graciousness, her generosity, her kindness, her pleasure in life, her love for her family, her warmth and her friendship: she was such a good person, in the fullest sense of the word. One meets very few people like that in a lifetime. How tragic it was that she suffered so much from such a cruel disease. But the memories of her that stay with me are the lovely ones: she will always have a special place in my heart. John, Nick, Matt: I send you my warmest condolences. Losing your mum comes after months and years of your taking care of her through her slow deterioration, and this must be a such a difficult time for you and for your families. I hope you’re comforted by knowing what an exceptional person your mum was and by beautiful memories of her.