Madam, Please may I through the Ross Gazette thank all the people of Ross for the wonderful messages and deeds of support they have given to myself and my family following the recent loss of 'My Gordon'. I am also very grateful to those who were able to visit to spend time with Gordon and myself making his final weeks a very happy time with reminiscences.

Between us we have received hundreds of messages, letters, cards and telephone calls from people worldwide. We have been very touched to realise just how much Gordon was thought of. However, it is those in our home town that we have really appreciated – messages, visits, flowers etc. There have been so many we have lost count. We also very much appreciate the donations that have been received on Gordon's behalf at the service in St Mary's Church which will be divided between the Lions and the Friends of St Mary's Church – both close to Gordon's heart. I understand there is also a Memorial Fund being set up in his memory. Thank you to everyone who has given to this so far.

I have also been overwhelmed by the support given in the paper with articles and letters. I still haven't got over just how many attended the service and I do apologise if I wasn't able to speak to you all, but please accept my heartfelt thanks for all the support we received on that day and to know that 'My Gordon' was obviously admired and loved so much.

Obviously at times like these I cannot possibly mention everyone in a letter such as this but please – you all know who you are and we very much appreciate your thoughts at this time.

There are however some that I feel I would like to mention in person and I do apologise if I have forgotten anyone. In no particular order: Rev Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby for his kindness and understanding; Doctors and Nurses at Pendeen Surgery; the visiting carers, who looked after both Gordon and the family during the last few weeks; William Bevan & Son for their skills and understanding; The Royal British Legion for their wonderful tribute with their Standards; all those who turned up at the shop with their motorbikes to pay their own tribute through the town; members of the British Motor Cycle Team (ISDT); The Lions; Ross Traders; The Ross Gazette; Jesse Norman MP; Town and District Council Members; Denise & Rachel – the Town Clerks; The Larruperz Centre; The Conservative Club; Parkfields; the girls who catered after the service; Peggy Luker; Jane Hoare, Roger Jones, Bob Room, Phil Cutter and Mary Sinclair Powell, who gave such moving tributes at both services.

Thank you all so much.

Margaret Lucas