I can’t recall the last time I wasn’t working on this Sunday of the year. I’ve always felt it a very big part of my role in the community to cover the Croydon, or other, events.
This year however I am on a day off and, after swimming, went down to the Brighton memorial to join the many hundreds also paying their respects.

Despite the parade and ceremony hardly being a patch on the Croydon one (which is really good) it was very touching and, for once not being able to hide behind the lens, I spent time thinking of those that have sacrificed and those that continue every day to do their bit.

As I hugged my children I looked around to see other dads doing the same. I thought of those in Afghanistan and Iraq who cannot be holding their children today and those who may never hold them again.

you can see last years Croydon parade (here)