1992-2005

Love, Happiness, Inspiration

Edward was a unique and extraordinary boy who lit up the world and the lives of those around him. He exuded a special warmth, calm and sense of healing that it is hard to put into words.

Despite living with a rare and disabling neurological condition that made life increasingly difficult for him, Edward absolutely made the most of everything he did. For such a young person he had a very wise outlook and taught us a great deal about compassion and integrity, without the need for words.

Following in Grandad Stuart's footsteps, Edward had a real love of music - and not always modern! He developed an appreciation for opera before he was even born, by listening to the Inspector Morse soundtracks inside his mum's tum  - then recognising them at just a few days old! Music and singing was something Edward shared with Mum Jeannie throughout his life, he could often be found enjoying a singalong and a snuggle with Mummy. Their repertoire was erm...'eclectic' shall we say. It included the usual chart stuff, plus Barry Manilow, Doris Day and S Club 7,West Side Story together with some home-made musical numbers.

Edward loved being in the world even though life was very, very hard for him sometimes - he was as brave as could be and always tried to put a smile on -he had a wicked sense of humour. He enjoyed playing with us, his family and especially with his mate Paz, often laughing so hard he nearly fell off his chair.

As a fan of the 'Mighty Whites'  Edward was able to take up his position on the sidelines at Elland Road - with his season ticket, his Dad and big brother Richard.   Edward and his Dad could often be found on the sofa glued to a Wales match - usually when Mum had gone out!!

Edward was very well known and loved in his home village of Boston Spa. Many people have told us how they used to look out for him when he was out and about in his buggy,always with Buddy his very own golden retriever. He was just one of those people who had a great many friends, from a great many places. He connected with a wide range of people. How many ten year-olds have university. Phil, the professor in question has subsequently dedicated his latest book, The Penguin Dictionary of Marketing, to Edward - they were good friends. Brother Richard's police colleagues really took to 'little brother' in a big way and loved to visit and chat with him.

Ed became an uncle at the age of 10 and took this role seriously - Lily who knew him for just 3 years, remembers Uncle Teddy as being "kind, with brown eyes"

Edward loved being part of his family and this included Aunty Vicky and Uncle Gary and cousins Lucy, Katie and George. He loved listening to a good gossip with Vicky and managed not to cringe too much at Gary's jokes. Christmas at their house was a favourite of his - as he got to spend fun time with everyone all together. He also enjoyed hearing updates from his cousins, aunt and uncle at the other side of the world...over in South Africa.

School was a big part of Edward's life when he was well enough to go. A a popular pupil of West Oaks School, he made some fantastic friends there - pupils and teacher alike. His early years were some of his happiest times, he loved being busy and working on the great range of computers with adapted switches and gadgets that enabled Edward to  show what he was capable of. He got so much out of Liz's drama sessions and being in the choir. His lovely, lovely teacher Anne,still supports us as a family by remembering to send cards which speak of her memories of Edward - if we see a beautiful lavender bush or a carefully placed momento where Ed is buried, odds on it's from Anne.

This brings us to Martin House Children's Hospice which just happens to be in the village where we live - a real co-incidence. We didn't really want to go to Martin House -who would? It was 'admitting' that our child had a life limiting condition and that one day -who knew when, we'd lose him.......However we did join the Martin House 'family' and from the start the staff welcomed us, helped us care for Edward and supported us all. When Edward had serious bouts of ill health - very scary times , they took us in, they fed us, they cared for us all and they loved us back to a point that we could pick up and carry on..........Then came the time when they really, really really came into their own. When we finally ran out of lives and Edward couldn't manage another 'back from the brink' miracle recovery, they were amazing.
Our family stayed together at Martin House in the week after Edward passed away. It  meant we never had to leave him  - just as we'd never left him in life. They held us, they supported us and they stood with us through the tears and the heart-breaking sadness. They helped us get through the first hour, then the next one, then a whole day - all this at a time when we thought we wouldn't survive

Thank-you to all of you at Martin House - forever.

Our story is just is just a glimpse of the 'fantastic-ness' of Martin House . We think we can give a little bit back by raising some of the cash they need to keep going and doing such a great job. Please support them by buying Dave and Nils singles or by donating directly via the Martin House site at www.martinhouse.org.