In memory of Paul and Jean

Paul and Jean are a constant source of inspiration to us.

Our charity was formed 20 years ago to honour their memories and we continue to work towards helping children in their name.

Below are three poems – including Jean’s own words for Paul – to let them know that they are always in our thoughts and to remind us of why our fight to save young lives like Paul’s is so important.

Jean’s Poem to Paul

I see him now, a quiet boy
Who loved to run and play;
I see him racing in the wind,
I see him every day.

I see him smile, receive his price,
Then turn to wave to me.
I weep and ask myself again
Why should such things be?
At fourteen years to suddenly
Fall ill and quickly die,
He wasted as I held his hand.
Why should it be? Oh why?

But slowly I have learned to hope
and now I wait to see
Once more the faces that I love
Once more smiling at me.
The quiet boy who ran and played
Who raced into the wind
Who took his prize, then waved his hand
And turned to me and grinned.

Paul by Kate Frasier-Robinson

Parties, banquets, balls and races
Unknown and famous friendly faces
Shedding light upon the darkness
Pouring hope into despair

So many warm hearts beating
The rhythm of life they share.
Replacing tears with laughter
Bringing happiness and joy

Joined by a common purpose
In memory of one young boy.
His brief life touched so many
his courage should make us glad

To those I love by Islo Paschal Richardson

If I should ever leave you
Whom I love
To go along the Silent Way
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh and talk
Of me as if I were
Beside you there.

(I’d come - I’d come,
Could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief
Be barriers?)
And when you hear a song
Or see a bird

I loved, please do not let
The thought of me
Be sad... For I am
Loving you just as
I always have...
You were so good to me!
There are so many things
To say to you...

Remember that I did not fear...
It was just leaving you
That was so hard to face
We cannot see Beyond
But this I know:
I loved you so - ’twas heaven
Here with you!