My long association with the Wickens family dates from 1972 when I first met Jonathan before we went to Madagascar - and via him met Nicky - through to subsequently moving to Birmingham and having the pleasure of meeting Frederick and Una Wickens, and then discovering that a close friend in Birmingham had been to university with Kamila in Edinburgh. So there are long-standing connections.

Although I hadn't met Nicky often over the years, I heard about him via Jonathan and always remember him as being enthusiastic, vivacious and lively, and as someone with whom I had interesting and entertaining conversations.

On several occasions there were generous invitations to visit Berlin, and most recently last year following Jonathan's visit to Nicky and Birgitta, there was a message from Nicky to visit Berlin in the New Year which was lovely to receive. I had always been meaning to go and resolved to take up the invitation, but to my regret did not reply in time for him to receive it. I am very sorry that I will not be able to meet him again when I go to Berlin.

For those who are bereaved, there is a Jewish saying which I would like to end on. It is: 'I wish you long life.'