Cornelius Murphy Neil

Dad made growing up a fun-filled adventure. We loved his imaginative 'creations' from the Friday Monster, who used to chase all of us kids around the lane with a crazed expression to Waytogo, the pigeon that always mysteriously appeared whenever we were lost, and gave us directions. And then there was 'Henry', a delightfully terrifying sort-of Frankenstein's monster character, who always fulfilled his objective of making us go to bed when we were playing up. We used to go on camping holidays, and at bedtime, he would zip the bedroom compartment flap at each end, so that just his face appeared in the middle, like a ghostly disc! And then he'd make up some amazing bedtime story. When we were in Widdecombe in Devon it was about the beast of the moor, when we were in Switzerland, it was about a yodelling old lady. They were always incredibly funny, Dad's stories, and exciting. It was definitely that which inspired me to turn to journalism and become a 'storyteller' myself. Despite the happy memories and the fun, love and inspiration he gave me, there's always an element of sadness when I think about Dad - simply because he's no longer here. But I will always be so thankful and glad that he made it to our wedding, ten years ago, during his illness. It meant so much to me. So... let's raise a glass to Dad (Neil) and to each other - family and friends, far and wide, who lost him. Our lives are less rich without him. But may we gain comfort and joy from sifting through our memories. Love you Dad. Sam X