It was with deep sadness that I learned of Paul’s passing. I had been aware for some time of his battle against cancer and his chemotherapy treatment. What was so remarkable was that Paul was continuing to engage in research projects and undertake teaching commitments, despite his poor state of health. On November 18th last, he wrote to me in response to being informed that a joint paper of ours had just been published. In his message, Paul also confided that: “I start tomorrow with a different course of chemotherapy. The progression of the disease continues, and I am in considerable pain from bone and lymph nodes. Hopefully I will respond to this next treatment. I should know by January or so if this seems to be working. If not, I then go on to the next (and probably final) possibility.” It was a deeply worrying update. I had been advised several months earlier, by one of Paul’s UCL colleagues, not to expect Paul to respond swiftly to email messages, because of his ongoing medical treatment. On the contrary, and to my surprise, Paul did unfailingly respond very promptly, on all occasions, just as he had done when in fine health. He was always there to offer sound and encouraging advice, which was greatly appreciated. His enthusiasm for science and his expertise were willingly shared with colleagues. Paul was an inspirational and remarkable person, both on a professional level and for his human qualities. He will be sadly missed.