Ricky was my dad’s cousin (my second cousin I think), but they were more like brothers, so we spent a lot of time together as families when I was growing up.

It was always fun to visit their house. Firstly, there was the free chocolate!! It was like Aladdin’s cave to a child. Secondly, it was always fun. Ricky was a happy person who was always cracking a joke. He always felt like fun to be around and would also throw in the odd thought provoking comment. The electric shock machine was always a favourite game to see who could hold on the longest!! I’m pretty sure that’s not health and safety compliant these days!
We were always going on camping holidays together. Wetton in Derbyshire was one of the favourite places to go. So many happy memories of this. We would have real campfires, play badminton, make hideouts from hay bales and Ricky would spin me round until I was dizzy!!

Then there were the political discussions, which could go on for hours. This may seem dull to some, but I am so happy to have been a part of these growing up as it has led me to take an interest in politics and understand how it shapes the world. Ricky was such a kind and caring man, who had a very strong sense of social responsibility. He seemed to me, to be a person who very much lived his socialist beliefs and principles, helping people wherever he could.
His passing is a loss to anyone who knew him, but I will always have my memories and I am proud to have one of his brilliant paintings of Cromer hanging on my wall.