I thought I'd take the time to write to you all. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Claire and I am Darren's girlfriend. I m also writing this on behalf of his mother Dot. I'm sure by now you've all heard the devastating news about Darren. It's been lovely and comforting to read all the genuine comments on here about him and how he'll be sadly missed, he too would be moved to see them. He really was a lovely, kind, caring man who I am so proud to have loved and been loved by and to see how he touched so many peoples lives in so many ways.
Darren found peace on Egeria and her surroundings and who could blame him. Nothing else seemed to matter when sat on the deck, glass of wine in hand watching the sunset. He would wake every morning and 'potter' as he would call it, doing small general cleaning and maintenance jobs before tackling the bigger tasks of the day. As you can see from the photos of Egeria on here, she has come a long way in just a year, a year of hard slog, long hours, come rain or shine. He would joke that there was more of his blood on the ship than in him, he wasn't scared of getting stuck in that was just his way. As with most things he took great pride in all the work he undertook and so he should! Recently he had been working with Alan on the deck to try and get her watertight for the winter, although laborious he found it very rewarding. I know his mam and I will miss the texts at the end of the day, which would often include a photograph of the work he'd done and sometimes he'd include a photo of his mucky, but still smiling face.
Egeria was a big part of his life, he really loved that ship and she will always hold very dear memories for his family and me. This site will remain open, as although Darren sadly won't be here to complete the work, the work will continue to make his dream a reality. I hope you will all continue to follow Egeria's progress.
I'm sure you will also know that his funeral is to be held at Portchester Crematorium on 23rd September at 15.30. We ask that you meet us there and not at the marina. The family have asked for donations to Help for Heroes instead of floral tributes please, these must be in cheque form and can be sent directly to The Co-operative Funeralcare Fareham.
Darren found peace on Egeria and her surroundings and who could blame him. Nothing else seemed to matter when sat on the deck, glass of wine in hand watching the sunset. He would wake every morning and 'potter' as he would call it, doing small general cleaning and maintenance jobs before tackling the bigger tasks of the day. As you can see from the photos of Egeria on here, she has come a long way in just a year, a year of hard slog, long hours, come rain or shine. He would joke that there was more of his blood on the ship than in him, he wasn't scared of getting stuck in that was just his way. As with most things he took great pride in all the work he undertook and so he should! Recently he had been working with Alan on the deck to try and get her watertight for the winter, although laborious he found it very rewarding. I know his mam and I will miss the texts at the end of the day, which would often include a photograph of the work he'd done and sometimes he'd include a photo of his mucky, but still smiling face.
Egeria was a big part of his life, he really loved that ship and she will always hold very dear memories for his family and me. This site will remain open, as although Darren sadly won't be here to complete the work, the work will continue to make his dream a reality. I hope you will all continue to follow Egeria's progress.
I'm sure you will also know that his funeral is to be held at Portchester Crematorium on 23rd September at 15.30. We ask that you meet us there and not at the marina. The family have asked for donations to Help for Heroes instead of floral tributes please, these must be in cheque form and can be sent directly to The Co-operative Funeralcare Fareham.
