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Simon Coles wrote: > > Hi, > > As you are probably aware, Diana, Princess of Wales was until last year the > Patron of the UK Parkinson's Disease Society. > > I thought it would be appropriate to share some personal recollections of > Diana. This is from my Father, Derek Coles ([log in to unmask]): > > ------- > > Diana Princess of Wales - a personal memory > > I was privileged to meet Diana Princess of Wales on a number of occasions, > mostly in my capacity as Chairman of the Parkinson's Disease Society when > she was our Patron. My outstanding memory, however, took place on an > earlier occasion and illustrates the empathy The Princess had for the > disabled. > > My wife Adrienne, who was severely disabled in movement and speech by > Parkinson's (MSA to be precise) and I attended a reception given by the > Princess for the PDS at St James Palace. > > The reception was held in one of the State room access to which was via a > grand staircase. Adrienne was in her wheelchair and as we approached the > staircase I anxiously looked for the lift but was unable to see one. Then > four smart soldiers in the uniform of the parachute regiment stepped > forward with the comment "May we assist you madam". As one they carefully > lifted Adrienne, in her wheelchair, and gently but surely carried her up > that grand staircase making humorous remarks as they progressed to ease any > concerns. > > In the reception The Princess made her way round the various groups, never > appearing to hurry and a word to everyone. When she came to Adrienne she > stooped to be at Adrienne's eye level, held her hand and chatted > exclusively to her with interest and understanding. Although Adrienne was > unable to reply except for a faint nod such was the Princess' charm and > consideration that the conversation never for one moment appeared one > sided. As she left she gave me a warm smile and said "I suppose your the > pusher?" > > The thought, care, benevolence and magnetic charm of the Princess made the > evening unforgettable for both of us and it gave great joy and strength to > Adrienne. > > Diana Princess of Wales was a Lady of rare charm whose actions came from > the heart. > > Derek Coles > > --------- My opinions are my own, NIP's opinions are theirs ---------- > Simon J. Coles Email: [log in to unmask] > New Information Paradigms Work Phone: +44 1344 778783 > http://www.nipltd.com/ Work Fax: +44 1344 772510 > =============== Life is too precious to take seriously =============== May I, and other like-minded PWP submit your personal recollection to our local news media for publication in teir newspapers? Please advise. Thank you.