So here goes with some important dedications to those around me, and in some cases, heartfelt apologies.

To my son, Zack – older and wiser than his age. I once read that life should be ‘a series of adventures launched from a safe base.’ That is all I wanted for you, and I know we have experienced some turbulence, but I am extremely proud of you. I depend upon you more than you realise and whatever the outcome, your strength and determination will help you to overcome your own obstacles.

To my brother, Philip – for your support and for your sage advice, which I do not always follow, but time and again it proves to be solid. You are there when I need and that speaks volumes , thank you.

To my good friend, Francois – I cannot express the depth of affection I have for you and it will be my greatest sadness if anything happens to either of us before we have an opportunity to meet again.

To the Brethren of Limestone rock Lodge No 369, Clitheroe, Lancashire – I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from the brethren of my Masonic Lodge and from the wider Masonic community including the Almoners, Masonic Chartable Foundation and the East Lancashire Masonic Charity. The pillars of brotherly love, truth and relief run deep. Freemasonry is an order steeped in history, part of the very fabric of society. I’m not recruiting and I’m not defending but I do not subscribe to the conspiracists views operating from a position of ignorance.

For me the Lodge is my 3rd place – a place of calm. Our lodge has been in existence for 200 years and the true depth and breath of its contribution to its brethren and the broader community is immeasurable.

To friends one and all, wherever you may be… Life is what happens when you make other plans, and over the years I have lost touch with many people. Recently I have been reflecting on events and maybe I should have spent more time just enjoying the moment. I always thought I had an insatiable appetite for adventure – ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time’ an appropriate motif, but now I’m not so sure.

I have fond memories of many people and places, through upbringing, work, casual contact or mutual interests and I have been fortunate to experience some different cultures and participate in a range of activities.

I do wish you all the very best and if our paths cross once more it will be a delight.

To the staff of the NHS – I have witnessed the dedication, passion and caring nature of those involved in providing our much maligned NHS service. I cannot fault the service I have received and for an organisation that is under such scrutiny , pressure to deliver and with significant constraints it speaks volumes that I have yet to encounter any single issue that has been a cause for concern.

After living and working in Africa for decades, maybe you get to appreciate a different level of service because I am frankly appalled at the disregard many people pay to NHS. Go and spend days waiting in a clinic on a first come first served basis, where ‘no funds, no treatment’ prevails.

I have received nothing but kindness and professionalism every step of the way and mostly from individuals that I will never be able to thank. But what I know is that I was not treated any differently to anyone else – that same care is what counts.

I suppose that is it now, until the treatment begins. The experience is certainly providing an opportunity to reflect. Right now, I feel at prepared, there is nothing more than can be done – it is what it is.

I don’t know, as I sit here, whether it will be the outcome I wish for, but…

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.