CHRIS and I would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who attended David's funeral on July 20, especially those who travelled such long distances. We would also like to thank those of you who sent cards and wonderfully supportive messages, emails and flowers, at this dreadfully sad time.

You cannot imagine the intense grief that we are both suffering at the moment and it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that our lovely son is never coming back to us. David was amazingly fit and strong, which is probably why he fought for his life for so long in intensive care following the brain haemorrhage. He never regained consciousness.

We would also like to thank those of you who gave so generously at the funeral for support Davis's favourite local animal charities, in lieu of funeral flowers. The total given stands at an amazing £1,000 and there are still some cheques being received. A big thank you to you all. The charities which will benefit once we receive the money from the funeral directors are as follows:

Barton Hill Animal Centre – Learning Disabilites Project, Ken­tchurch, Herefordshire - where David worked as a volunteer.

HAPPA – Horse and Pony Protection Association, Gregory Farm, Brockweir, Nr Chepstow.

The Cats' Protection League – Newerne Street, Lydney.

The Donkeys of Tintern – if we can locate them all now! David looked after these donkeys on Saturdays when I had the gallery down at Tinern. He was especially fond of Ned. Sacks of carrots and polo mints.

Smidge, the grey and white village cat of St. Briavels – David has cuddled, talked to, stroked and generally loved this homeless cat that has been around the village of St. Briavels since David was in a pushchair. We've located the people who "keep an eye on him" to let them know that there will always be food, care, cuddles and possible veterinary bills covered by David's legacy.

Smidge is also a frequent visitor to the graveyard where David is buried. Thank you to everyone who has been kind enough to help us through our grief. – Chris and Mariana Robinson, St. Briavels.