The first time I met Henry was when I went to York with some friends as part of a reunion. Kate was studying there and I met this very charming, erudite and thoughtful young man in a city centre pub. The conversation flowed; football, politics, the essentials of life. Henry seemed far more grown up compared to my friends and I. It didn’t take long to realise what a thoroughly good person he was.   Going forward, it was always a pleasure and a privilege to meet with Henry, whether it was a family holiday or a gathering for a special family event. A visit to Ireland in summer 2015 brings back fond memories of Henry playing cricket on the beach, another sport for which he was naturally talented. Beach cricket again in Aldeburgh the following year and later to join the annual family trip to Pagham.   On each of these occasions Henry was a person that you would seek out; to hear his views, debate the future and reflect on life. He was a wise head on young shoulders. When he became a father he spoke with such endless pride of both the boys. His…

I knew Henry from our school days and although we had not been in contact for some time, have always remembered him as a genuinely lovely person; a true gent (which is saying something, when you meet as teenagers!) who was always so friendly, kind and respectful. He was an exception! I was immensely shocked and saddened to hear the utterly heartbreaking news of Henry’s passing. It is bittersweet to read these messages and to learn about what an even more incredible man Henry had become as a friend, husband, parent and very talented and teacher; and this is reflected in the loss shared by so many.  Kate, Casper and Archie – my family and I send love and strength in this most difficult time, and hope that these messages bring you some comfort, and go some way in enabling the boys to continue their daddy’s legacy xx…

Hello Kate, Casper & Archie  We are so very sorry to hear about your daddy . My son knew him well at Marshgate and described him as a compassionate , kind and fun teacher . I know that your loss must be so very painful and no words can comfort you now but in the future , know that your daddy loved you deeply and was surrounded by love and people who really cared for him and valued his input into their life. We cannot say this about eveyone but we can say it about your Daddy. In time , you can read these messages and take hope and comfort from knowing he was a genuine role model who was inspiring and that you can look up to him. I take great comfort from this about my own loss . You will find strength from the little things . He had dignity and strength of character and that will stay with you forever. Sending love and kindness   Minnie & Fin…

Dear Casper and Archie  Your daddy had a wonderful way of making everyone he met feel so special. When us Crosbys had playdates with you lovely Ayletts, I absolutely loved the company of your dad. He would always make me feel so at ease as we chatted, and felt I could share so much about my life. He offered such reassurance and guidance. His positivity, calming presence, smile, and simply beautiful personality would just shine every time. I would always say to Dave, after our lunches with you all, that Henry was just such a wonderful guy. He had such a natural way with children too. He would entertain you all. My Samuel found your daddy so funny, and would want to play silly games with him as soon as he entered the house.  We knew Kate first, Dave and Kate having worked together for some years. Before we’d met Henry he’d been so helpful in giving us an analysis of each primary school in our area to help us decide which to choose. Even at that point I thought, this guy doesn’t even know us, but has taken so much care and consideration in his reply, what a…

We were lucky enough for Mr Aylett to have taught both of our children at Marshgate Primary, Amelie (year 5, 2018-19) and Louis (year 6, 2021-22).  He was the most incredible teacher.  He had a seemingly effortless ability to immediately engage the children, whether it be with his hilarious jokes and rhymes, the headstands he would do against the whiteboard, his singing “Thursday” by Jess Glynne on a Thursday afternoon in that otherwise long half hour between swimming and home time, the dancing on tables when it was someone’s birthday (and sometimes when it was no one’s birthday!) or the way in which he managed without fail to bring humour into every lesson.  He could make an otherwise dry topic hilariously fun and memorable for the children. One of Amelie’s favourite memories of him was the time when they played “Last Man Standing” whilst paddle boarding at Thames Young Mariners and she and Mr Aylett were the last two to remain on their boards.  She took great pleasure in pushing him into the lake and, true to form, he was still smiling as ever!  Then there was the time when Amelie’s turn came around to dance on the table…

We knew Henry since his early days as a teacher at Marshgate – not just as an amazing teacher for both William and Ella, but also as a much respected colleague of Andrea’s in her 12 years as a school Governor .  Henry was an exceptional teacher, who managed to get the absolute very best out of those that he taught. All of the children loved him, whether as a class teacher, maths teacher or just for his sheer love of sport in PE, sports days and beyond. Living close to the Marshgate, we often used to see Henry running home from work and Ella’s last memory is of waving to him as he went past in the summer term .  Our school community is devastated by Henry’s passing, as we know his family are. We have been thinking of you all,  particularly today as you celebrate his life. We are privileged to have known Henry and we are so very sorry for your indescribable loss.  Best wishes from  Andrea, Jim, William and Ella x     …

Dearest Henners, I am so grateful for the time that I was able to spend with you and Kate. I have such fond memories: the New Years Eve board games, hip hop dance sessions, craft beer under the arches in the snow, BBQs at Sar & Rob’s… Most of all, I’m thankful for your kind and calm nature. It’s rare to meet someone who listens with such intent and care.  With love,  Ems xx  …

Having known Henry throughout secondary school, sixth form and university I remember him as being top of the class and one of the best on the sports field. I was always in awe of how Henry achieved this so naturally and effortlessly whilst at the same time being such a humble, nice guy. It was a true privilege to know such an incredible man. My thoughts are with his family. Love Marcus…

When I think of Henry I have so many fond memories but there are a few that stand out for me the most. We could talk endlessly about food and the best meals we’d had recently or places we’d enjoyed a meal. If we’d been on holiday the first thing we’d ask each other would be about the food. I remember asking Henry how parenting was going and laughing about the time when one of the boys had figured out where the baby monitor was. Henry had used the microphone to tell them to go back to sleep and had a very cheerful response of ‘Hi daddy!’ He loved being your dad so much. When I found out I was pregnant I had the best chats with Henry. He made me feel so at ease about getting through it and becoming a parent. Henry always gave such thoughtful and down to earth advice. Not just about this, he was always so approachable and warm.  When I visited school with my baby, Henry gave her a cuddle and she fell asleep instantly. She didn’t know him well but she knew he had good vibes. The same goes for chatting about…

Henry was one of the kindest, most welcoming and honest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He, with a knowledge that is never taught, always knew exactly the right thing to say and was able to effortlessly ease any tension in a room. He was a mentor, a friend and was one of the people who influenced me the most in my teaching career. Henry, you will be sorely missed – it was an absolute pleasure to share many a pint and a rant with you. It is unbelievable. …

Henry will always be remembered not just for being an exceptional all-round top sportsman, but also as a true gentleman – always smiling, and always positive. I have many fond school memories of Henry – quick witted, razor sharp smart, and an absolute team player, I remember many great days on the school fields playing football. I’ve continued to be in awe of him on Strava in recent years, demonstrating what a motivated and determined chap he always was. We were very lucky to have known him, and my thoughts are with family and friends. Love Christian x…

I was shocked and saddened to learn that my running buddy Henry had run his last race. I met Henry during the Thames Meander marathon in 2020 (a race he won in 2021). He was in the process of overtaking me as we passed through Barnes but had noticed the hashtag on the back of my running vest and slowed down momentarily to have a chat and find more out about charity I was supporting. We spent a few minutes chatting before he powered on towards the finish line. I spotted him again at the end of the race and noticed that he was soaked from the waist down, so I went over to congratulate and thank him for our brief chat along the route. It turned out the tide had come in and flooded part of the Thames Path, meaning Henry had to wade through waist deep water in Mortlake to continue along the marked route (the slower runners had been diverted fortunately, so I remained dry!). Despite the unexpected change in race conditions, he had finished 13th overall in a little over 3 hours and had a massive smile on his face, which is how I will…