Following John�s Thanksgiving Service in March last year, many of you kindly gave donations in his memory to the charity The Lane Fox Respiratory Unit Patients� Association. A total of over �3,000 was received and at long last I am able to tell you how this money has been used. After much deliberation it was decided (with my approval!) to refurbish a sun-trap courtyard area which adjoins the Lane Fox Respiratory Unit at St. Thomas� Hospital, London, into a bed and wheelchair accessible garden. Knowing just how much John enjoyed sitting in the sun in our garden, I was certain that he too would fully approve. The work on the garden has only recently been completed and it is to be known as The John Prestwich Memorial Garden. There is a brass plaque which reads “This garden is in memory of John Prestwich MBE – a remarkable and inspirational man 24.11.1938-27.02.2006� The garden has plants and shrubs of various sizes and varieties; there is natural screening across one wall over which an evergreen clematis will climb. There is also a water feature, lighting amongst the borders and teak garden furniture. As the Clinical Nurse Manager says �we now have a little oasis and a peaceful haven where all patients, carers and staff can go to relax.� For those of you who don�t know ‐ the Respiratory Unit at St. Thomas� Hospital is on the South Bank of the Thames immediately opposite the Palace of Westminster. The view from both the unit and the terrace is spectacular ‐ especially at night (I know only too well having spent many days and nights there with John when he needed hospitalisation!)

There is an interesting incident which, because of its relevance, I�d like – in fact I �need� to share with you, so please bear with me. In 1962, after seven years permanently at the Royal Free Hospital at Hampstead, John was devastated when he had to be transferred to St. Ann�s Hospital, Tottenham. This was necessary because the Royal Free was being rebuilt. At the time, John�s mother asked the medical staff that instead of John being transferred to St. Ann�s, whether a room overlooking the Thames could be found for him at St. Thomas� Hospital. Her request fell on deaf ears. However, with hindsight it�s not only amazing to think that for most of our married life, John was not only cared for at St. Thomas� but that there is now a permanent memorial to him at the hospital ‐ overlooking the Thames. A fitting tribute to a truly remarkable and inspirational man.

Lastly but by no means least, I�d like to thank those of you who, since John�s death, have not only kept in touch but have also given me your support, advice and practical help in so many ways. In spite of your own commitments you have managed to find time for me when I�ve needed you. I also know only too well that John would be so pleased that you are there for me. Bless you all!

Maggie Prestwich