Rakesh was Deevina's uncle but as they were similar ages they grew up as cousins, as you do in large Indian families. Unfortunately I didn't get to know him as well I wish i did, as Deevina and I had only been married 3 years before he passed away. But from the half dozen times that we met I could tell that that we could have become really close brothers. Deevina often told happy and funny stories of growing up with Rakesh and Kesh as the older brothers she never had. 

Breaking the news to the love of your life that her brother had passed away was probably one of the most difficult things I have had to do. Loosing someone so close and so young with so much ahead of him in life just amplifies the sorrow and pain.

Rakesh was very patriotic and was a flight lieutenant in the RAF and he absolutely loved his job and so he passed away doing what he loved. He was one of the last British personnel to pass away in the Afghan War as his Lynx Helicopter crashed. It's rare to see Asians in the Army, Navy or RAF and I have a huge respect and admiration for anyone who enlists. The Air Ambulance was a charity that was close to him and so raising money for his Trust via climbing Ben Nevis is just a small way I can pay my respects and keep his memory alive with me.

I will now spend the rest of my life getting to know Rakesh through the stories and memories of family and friends, until we meet again.