I was in my second year of MPhil study when Patsy came to Newcastle in 1987 to became the third holder of the Chair of Town Planning. I was fortunate enough to be the first postgraduate student to be supervised by her, a distinction that I remain highly proud of.  She mentored me and other students with outmost care and a genuine interest in our studies, despite being the head of the Department and committed to transform it into a research community of international recognition. Later, I also became her first research associate, working on a number of projects related to the patterns of new developments in the Tyne and Wear area.  This was the time when gender and other forms of equalities were not given much attention and precarious work was the norm for ECRs.  Patsy was deeply aware and concerned about these problems and worked hard to make the Department and the University more diverse and inclusive.  To be Patsy’s student, colleague and friend is one of the most cherished privileges that I hold. I have always been inspired by her intellectual curiosity and humility, her generosity of spirit and courage, her passion for alternative ways of doing planning, and, above all, her unreserved support and care for others. Patsy has played a huge part in my career and life-story. I will miss her greatly, as will the planning communities around the world.