I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced Neal's kindness, warmth, fun nature, whit, humour, genoristy and support through both the good and the bad, since Anna introduced him to the wider Matthews-clan in 2012. I'm even more grateful to have shared time this year in St Mawes, Edinburgh and showing Neal, Anna and Jack some of my favourite spots for their Fort William debut, only last month. 

Most recent treasured memories include our kayaking mission to the St Anthony's Lighthouse, Messack Point dog walk, stone skimming sessions, fascination at sea creatures at Samalaman Bay, Glen Nevis and Caledonian Canal dog walks, Loch Linnhe seal watching boat trip, and marvelling at the escape room fusion of engineer minds. 

Neal was always bound to be a firm family favourite - for not only so clearly loving and adoring Anna, but also after his heroic resuce of the Paminator from being locked in her bathroom at Upwey House! This probably didn't help Neal's cause in the long run though, as his presence was then frequently requested in Church Stretton; his top choice holiday destination. I'm grateful to have clear recollections of Neal's cheeky demeanour with the Paminator - I can still the hear the jokes, the laughs, the fun, the claims of "wickedness"; from Granny's 80th, festive visits with ice cube curling, and through to our last goodbyes with Granny in 2020. 

Despite the distance of ~500miles between us, I've always appreciated Neal's unmatched talent in maintaining contact and connection - whether it was a quick message, photo, meme, cheeky one liner, or a subtle hint for a phone call, often putting both myself and Anna to shame with our sometimes lengthy response times. Neal's dedication to this long-distance Top Uncle role was most valued through hard times of heartbreak, life or work crises and grief - when there was perhaps less humour and instead just love, kindness, support and advice, that I'm grateful to now look back to. 

Neal really was one of the best humans to have had the privilege to have known and I can only hope he knew how much he was adored and cherished by me, Gareth and King Raineach. 

Neal - in my heart and thoughts always. 

Dr P

Xx