This fund has been created in memory of my Dad, John Tucker, who died, aged 65, on 9th June 2004. Dad was a fiercely independent and proud man who had been in business with 2 of his brothers for most of his working life. As a plant hire contractor to the construction industry, he was a confirmed workaholic and it was difficult for him and his family to imagine an existence that didn't revolve around his work. When he underwent an ileostomy for ulcerative colitis in 1999, it made it more difficult for Dad to work so he reluctantly retired early. This opened up new opportunities for Dad to keep himself busy - making railings to decorate his garden (and mine), helping friends and neighbours with block-paving etc, going on walks with Mum, and having fun with his grandchildren. When Dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in October 2002, he was already losing some mobility in his arms but perservered with completing his on-going projects. Contemplating a life that involved relying on others for everything must have been torture for Dad, but he coped with his increasing disability with amazing courage, a complete lack of self-pity and an unfailing sense of humour. We are grateful that he died while he still had some independence and dignity left, being able to communicate with us and walk unaided for short distances. We all have a great many memories of Dad and his antics over the years, and we know that his spirit lives on in the character, mannerisms and sayings that are so obvious in each of his grandchildren - even his grandaughter, born 5 days after his death, has inherited his ginger hair!