Russell was one of the kindest people I've ever known; he was like a brother to me. He was always on hand when life got tough, and quick with a joke when things were good. He was skilled at cryptic crosswords and the guitar, and was always kind to animals. His bond was Reggie the cat was legendary. He used to leave the fire on overnight in case Reggie got cold and call me every time he had concerns over Reggie's welfare.

He even rescued a field full of pigs one day while on a Boxing Day walk with me. We saw that they were up to their bellies in water after a flood, and that the farmer had taken no action, so he called the RSPCA. The pigs were rescued. The following Christmas, he gave me a little ornament pig to commemorate the occasion.

Two years ago, I immortalised Russell in my memoir, Love, Death and Beyond. I'm going to miss him every day for the rest of my life.