Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) is a rare, incurable and progressive muscle disorder characterised by muscle weakness, inflammation and wasting. It often starts in the extremities before spreading to larger muscles. Hugh first noticed symptoms in 1998 when he began to have difficulty ringing church bells because of weakness in his hands and fingers.

He was officially diagnosed in 2008 and took the news in typical pragmatic Hugh fashion. Determined to get the most out of his legs whilst he could, he and Jean continued to go on their much loved walking holidays with friends despite regular falls. As his disease progressed, he explored the world using sticks, then a walking frame, then in a wheelchair. Their last holiday was to Madeira in 2019.

Although the muscles throughout his body wasted, Hugh's brain never faltered. In 2019 he turned his brilliant mind from writing mathematics books to writing codeword puzzles. His first book of codewords was published in March 2021 and his second in January of this year. Two more books were on the way despite him having great difficulty both typing and seeing. And he never stopped playing his beloved bridge, turning to bridge online since lockdown. His last game was on August 12th, the day he was admitted to hospital with aspiration pneumonia and just one week before he died.

A remarkable man in every respect, he will be forever missed by his family and friends.

If you would like to do something positive in Hugh's memory then please donate to Myositis UK via this page. They provide information to those affected by all types of myositis and fund research to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Heartfelt thanks from Jean, Rachael, Andy and all of Hugh's family.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.