I was very sad to hear the news about Charles Kennedy, the Liberal Democrat MP, who died yesterday aged 55. We do not yet know the circumstances of his death but whatever the cause, it is certainly untimely.

Although a very successful parliamentarian as well as being a well-liked and genuine man, he battled with alcohol and bravely made this public knowledge a few years ago. The loss of his seat recently must have been devastating, after over 30 years as an MP, compounded by the recent death of his father who he cared for. His marriage had ended in 2005, although he was a doting dad to his little boy.

He was certainly a man of principle as evidenced by his passionate opposition to the Iraq war and he can be admired for this as, at the time, many around him were pro-war. Events since that time show that he was right in his belief that such action would ultimately lead to huge unrest, and anti-West fervour such as we now see with the Islamic State.

Sometimes it is said that people such as Charles Kennedy and other troubled souls like him see things all too clearly whilst the rest of us manage to find a way to ‘rose tint’ life, enabling us to function without the need for a crutch.

I hope that his family and friends find comfort in the outpouring of love and respect being expressed about this warm-hearted and genuine man.

Wendy x