First and foremost I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone gathered here today both in person virtually from the UK US Australia. Your presence support has meant world us over past few months. am so grateful for love kindness shown by our dear family friends. You are all incredible. The heartfelt messages tributes honouring Chris have moved me deeply. Chris touched lives many ways wish take this moment remember celebrate man knew love. While of you may already be familiar with story how we met allow tell beginning. Some years ago as drove through a local village children Jake Isabella idea venturing New York Jake's 21st birthday arose. Despite initial reservations persisted (thank Jake) eventually leading booking flight March 29th. Little did know that decision would mark beginning life changing journey all. being very unwell day before flight he made it airport changed his seat at check desk ending up seated next us. His immediate warmth reassurance fretful mother travelling her 4-year-old daughter struck profoundly revealing innate kindness. Over course following seven hours engaged deep meaningful conversations unveiling layers experiences. Chris's gentle demeanor engaging personality left an indelible impression on me. was captivated intelligence gorgeous eyes openness honesty unique sense style epitomized colourful socks Converse shoes. He different anyone had met sensed colour uniqueness lifetime stories. Our shared meal choices Malvani chicken Gu chocolate pot became tradition cherished every anniversary thereafter. Neither wanted end. We much talk about. asked meet him although didn't week always finds way continued exchanges via Messenger illuminated spark between Upon return expressed regret not meeting within minutes texted back acknowledged profound connection embarked discovery guided fate's unexpected hand. Laughing irony falling amidst chaos JFK's baggage claim recognized each other kindred spirits soulmates. Within days booked UK spend time together. Many friends recall behaved like two teenagers blissfully chattering about loved other. were marked frequent visits virtual togetherness bridging distance UK. joyous reunions tempered tearful goodbyes underscoring depth Finally 2019 unite culminating beautiful marriage ceremony October 22nd 2022. wonderful memories together including trips Battery Park Dance festival where hours taking photographs dances around world Small’s Jazz club sipping wine Govenors Island overlooking Lower Manhattan sitting little deckchairs watching John Mayer Jersey walks one favourite places Gantry Park. Together countless adventures forging enduring across York Connecticut Italy Spain holidays Devon Amsterdam Wales Lake District Northumberland Scotland. Throughout lockdown found happiness simple pleasures themed days immersive YouTube travel A particularly fond memory Greece artfully created Greek dishes sat garden listening Taverna music. stopped short smashing plates course!! Isabella insisting face painting black pink butterfly which happily agreed when kissed smudgy butterflies! And Tuscany possibly most holiday its simplicity splendour. stayed farm house owners kindly supplied Chianti olive oil. landscape stunning felt alive enjoying spontaneous adventures Florence Lucca Siena surrounded blue skies glorious architecture fine art. It truly special. will only briefly mention 2 speeding tickets received Florence! Although I’m sure plenty Chris’s driving!! camping trip. never been adamant trip lifetime. definitely was! put attention detail spent weeks planning trip buying necessary equipment designing plan. turned field no facilities equipped tent chemical toilet proceeded pouring rain high winds. At point just looked wondering whether even possible up but fierce determination succeeded! Just half hour later basked sunshine cooked whilst climbed jumped down trees. sharing couple glasses then waking early morning see sunrise. perfect. Precious treasured forever. could talking central relationship bounds characterized love mutual respect admiration honesty trust. simply brought out best embodied rarest treasures: soulmate who sees cherishes essence are igniting joy beyond measure. enriched broadening horizons infusing laughter Sometimes cry laughter. brilliant mind smart. hearing life. stories family childhood escapades career milestones global travels highs lows painted vivid tapestry life character breadth Above all photography art nature sunshine animals people music travel food work more. such incredible zest As reflect successful career reminded absolute commitment dedication ability inspire uplift those him irrespective their position. humility coupled bring others great deal fun along way earned respect admiration privilege knowing him. own endeavors stood biggest cheerleader triumph setback. belief me during pursuit lifelong dream battle illness remains testament selflessness unwavering spoke Conrad Kordel Sam Rory pride there times circumstances kept apart long periods caused sadness whole pulled together your Dad myself painful part Thank also children Isabella. saw Daddy they very much. She maturity bravery last year. proud you. Jake invaluable. This hasn’t easy too. express Helen Alicia whom demonstrated fondly warmly shared. nature gentleness simplicity adventure humour endless creativity. positivity evident darkest final fought illness everything had. stone unturned ultimately accepted situation passed away holding hand 11th January. deeply somber moment is hold close forever reminds importance connection companionship vulnerable moment. donating body medical science. help people. An incredibly selfless act benefit forms legacy. finally beloved husband. carry you depths soul gracing presence. feel everyday. sadly cut measure ever. greatest story. In honour husband ask rise applaud celebrating lived passion adventure