In October 2021 a third planned family holiday was spoiled (Covid lockdowns spoiled the first two attempts) when I was admitted to University Hospitals Sussex, where I spent three weeks. I returned home in considerably better health.

This book is dedicated to all the truly amazing NHS staff in both the Chichester and Worthing hospitals, who work relentlessly to care for their patients, often under great physical and emotional stress. They deserve far more than mere applause.