The last day of the 2024 Michaelmas court term was also sadly the day that former member of the Pearts team, Brian Clifford aged 41, lost his long, brave battle with cancer. Husband to Caroline Wade, the eldest daughter of our Principal Valerie Peart and Gerard Wade and brother-in-law of Niamh, John and Jennifer Wade, (wife of our Office manager James Clarke), Brian will be significantly missed by all who knew and loved him. Leaving behind three small children, Daniel (11), Lucie (9) and Sam (3), it is hard to put into words how heartbreaking the reality of this new norm is for them.
Having courageously and quietly confronted his illness for the past 14 years, since the age of 28, with his final few months spent in the incredible care of Or Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross, we can only but commend him for always trying to live life to the best of his ability. As a previous Pearts staff member, who joined us while undergoing his PHD in psychology before he went on sick leave, his dry wit, kind heart and love for ‘good’ coffee will always be remembered. He is now at peace.