Colin carrying both rucksacks

A message from May's Dad

As May will tell you, her dad spends more time at the office in London, in his study at home, and on the train in between, than any ten-year-old daughter would wish.

And as her class-mates will vouch, she for her part is well abreast of everything to be seen on children's TV.

So we both count our blessings that we've been prompted to do something like this before it's too late - sad though it is that it took a farewell to give us this jolt.

To everyone who knew her, May's aunt Emma Hughes was a model parent, an enthusiastic lover of outdoor life, and an inspirational guide on the path we all tread.

As May and I have been finding, the pain of bereavement has been greatly soothed by joys discovered in trying to follow Emma's example. All who loved her can take comfort from the knowledge that a fine legacy has been safely inherited; that May, her siblings and cousins will always remember it; and that they'll surely pass it on to others one day.

The journey we are making through coastal Suffolk is a reminder, too, of how lucky we are to live in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and of how rich and varied are the things it offers.

We've realized that those of us with the fitness and health to get out and about, and appreciate these things, haven't always been good at doing so; and that the people who would most dearly love to enjoy them are those for whom this isn't so easy.

That's why it's important to support the several charities which help young people with disability in Suffolk to do just that - to enjoy sailing, riding and other outdoor activities - and which improve their lives in other ways.

You can do this by kindly helping May raise funds for The Suffolk Foundation to assist these charities in their excellent work.

If you enjoy outdoor sports and other activities, here's a chance to contribute to a fund to help others join in.

But first, please spare a moment to look at the pictures. They're only amateur snaps, but they still tell their own story.

If you're a parent and they prompt you to try something similar with a child before it's too late - or if you're anyone who's stirred to take more advantage of things on your doorstep - then take my word, any donation you make will be a small price for the rewards you'll reap.

Colin de la Rue