As a young adult, I was extremely fortunate in experiencing the very special warmth and welcome extended by John and Julie on numerous occasions. I first met the wonderful Sara Hardy as a student and before long was invited to visit and stay with the family in Hendon. Not long after we arrived, John treated us to the best taxi ride I'd ever experienced. He set the metre going for authenticity, and we were enthusiastically taken on his special tour. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, anywhere we wanted to go, and he encouraged us to jump out and take photos. As we went, he shared stories and anecdotes. His knowledge was amazing, and he revelled in our excitement, and in seeing us so entertained. When eventually we arrived home, he stopped the clock to show us what we would have had to pay for this adventure! I was always so impressed that he was so keen to share his joy for life, even in the form of an extra shift in his cab.
I know that this was typical of him. His endless generosity, energy, warmth and sense of fun were clear immediately, and it was always at the very centre of the family that he adored and of whom he was so obviously proud. He was a unique and very special man and I'm so grateful to have always been so lovingly welcomed by him and Julie and to have known him and experienced his wonderful and irreplaceable character. There are some people in life who stay with you, who make an impression in a way that you carry with you. They somehow shape you by revealing something we aspire to, and for me,  John is one of these special people.