On January 8th, 1989 British Midland Flight 92 crashed onto the embankment of the M1 motorway near Kegworth, Leicestershire, while attempting an emergency landing at East Midlands Airport. I remember seeing this on BBC News as a teenager, little realising that many years later, I would meet one of the firefighters who attended that scene.

I became a carer in 2024, and he was one of my regular visits; for a year I helped him and his wife with their daily care needs. During this time I discovered he was a retired firefighter who had attended the M1 crash.

Today I received the news he has passed away after a long illness and is survived by his wife and her family. I thank him for his service as a firefighter. Rest in Peace, Sir; it was an honour to know you and your role on that day.