A message to the family of Patrick Dill.

Dear Mr and Mrs Dill,

I cannot imagine how bereft you must feel having lost your wonderful son, Patrick, at such a young age, and in such tragic circumstances.

You, Patrick and all your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since Patrick’s untimely death. I got to know Patrick very well during my many visits to Bermuda, staying at Elbow Beach.

We very quickly established a great rapport and enjoyed many, many laughs. He had a wonderful sense of humour and a smile that I will never forget.

I would speak to Patrick on the phone between visits to Bermuda, and we exchanged e-mails, too. As you know, he loved Chelsea Football Club. I was very happy to give him two Chelsea football shirts; one I had embossed with his name “Patrick” on the back.

He would call me his “Queen” and I called him my “Prince”. I always loved receiving e-mails from Patrick. He sent me one at Christmas and again in the new year. Both were full of Patrick’s unique personality.

It is so poignant to read all his e-mails now and to see the photos of his beautiful little daughter, whom he adored. I shall always remember Patrick. It is because of people like your beloved son that I adore Bermuda.

He was a wonderful ambassador for your country. For Bermuda, and you, to have lost him in such cruel and tragic circumstances is beyond comprehension.

I will be praying for Patrick, here in London, during his funeral today. God bless him and may he rest in peace.

The world has lost a wonderful young man.

Much love,

LINDY CLAMP, London