A sombre weekend after hearing of the death of a dear friend of Nick's family. She was diagnosed with cancer three months ago and died surrounded by her family. My thoughts are with her children and husband as they adjust to the rest of their lives without her. I can't know exactly how they will feel, but I do know that the next few weeks will be incredibly hard. Those unexpected moments of inconsolable loss and the reality that death is so final.

When my father died I spoke at his funeral and closed with this celtic blessing - at the time it really comforted me and it is what I would wish for Judith and her family.

Deep peace of the running water to you,
Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.