The first time I met William I knew he was special. He visited me for cello lessons and in our first meeting, we didn't get any music out - we simply started improvising together and let what evolved unfold holistically, without words. I remember this moment clearly - and feeling astonished at his extraordinary musicianship - which he expressed openly, purely and with great style through his cello. He seemed transfixed in the music and blend of sounds and was not at all self-aware but entirely absorbed inside the music. Music came from his soul and heart - and was never academic. This passion helped develop his individual talent on the cello each lesson - and I can recall moments when his playing was breathtakingly personal and beautiful. William was always so happy with his cello - and I was so fortunate to witness his joy in making music - which he did with such enthusiasm and panache. He was a lovely, lovely person and his tragic loss is devastating. I cannot conceive how his family particularly can cope with this, but I hope that by sharing our memories we may sustain our love for the wonderful person he was and cherish his short life and our part that we were so blessed to have had in it. Deirdre x