I first met Jeremy in July 1987 at The Black Boy in Bewdley, Worcestshire. It wasn't the best of starts, when I offered him a job he turned us down. Sue was more fortunate, they met 3 months earlier and the rest is history. Nevertheless, from our perspective, persistence paid off and in October 1992 Jeremy rejoined Christie + Co, after originally joining the firm in 1984. Jeremy and I have worked closely together for the last 22 years, first in Birmingham and from 1998 in London when Sue and Jeremy moved to Buckinghamshire. We have had so much fun, staying in some of the finest hotels in the world and travelling the Globe. When I last saw Jeremy in late February he asked me to say a few words at his funeral. If nothing else this was a pragmatic guy! What's more he told me how long I should speak for and he told me what to say. The last bit is not quite true, he talked about Sue and the children, their last break in Portugal with Simon and Wendy and his passion for his job. The great camaraderie with colleagues and his last corporate event – the LBG bike ride in Scotland, the day before he was diagnosed. But he said more than enough to frame what I will say to you today. It's a great privilege to be representing so many friends and colleagues here today. I'm sure that all of you would love to say a few words about this extraordinary man, Jeremy Hill. The numbers of people attending is testament to his popularity but more importantly, the high regard Jeremy is held in. The messages on Jeremy.hill.muchloved.com speak for themselves. Jeremy loved his family; he loved his job and was passionate about skiing, squash and racket ball. In fact, he was passionate about anything that interested him! Jeremy first became involved in hotels when he joined Christie +Co in 1984. He went on to manage our Birmingham Office, jointly open our first three International offices in Paris, Frankfurt and Barcelona and subsequently he became our Head of Hotels. Over the last 15 years Jeremy has developed into one of the best Hotel Brokers in Europe - in my view probably the VERY best. In typical Jeremy style he went out on a high. 2014 was Christie + Co's best ever year for deals and advisory work across European Hotels By quite a margin. An achievement Jeremy and his team should be very proud of. When I last saw Jeremy he told me how fortunate he'd been to have in his words "the best job in the world". All of us who have worked with Jeremy have been very privileged to know him. His true character - from my perspective - is actually demonstrated through the way he dealt with his illness. He was positive, determined and resolute that he would find a way through. Following his diagnosis, he continued to support the team, provide encouragement and advice and chat to and email everyone on a regular basis. He was still training for squash in November, anticipating a return to competitive action. And earlier this year, towards the end when he realised his time with us was limited, he just dealt with everything that needed doing. He left nothing undone making sure financial matters were dealt with and close colleagues called or seen. Every time I spoke to Jeremy or visited him during this period I left feeling inspired to try that little bit harder, to focus on the positives but above all I realised it’s the small things that really matter. He was truly inspirational and an example to us all. To me five words sum up Jeremy – Passion, Enthusiasm, Determination, Interest and Humility. He cared deeply for his family, his friends and colleagues. He loved his holidays in the Italian Alps or the Caribbean and he was a true competitor on the squash court, playing racket ball, pitching for business or simply doing deals. But, he was always scrupulously fair. A man of real intergrity. We have all been privileged to know Jeremy and we should celebrate and cherish the time we were able to share with him. We were very fortunate to know Jeremy and we will all miss him terribly. Jeremy Hill – a very special bloke!