Allen Jewhurst tribute

Allen Jewhurst died on 8 May 2015. This page is a tribute to him…

When our first son, Toby, was born, our immediate choice to be his godparents were Allen and Sarah Jewhurst. We knew, that if, God forbid, Catherine and I died over the coming years, Allen and Sarah would be there for Toby. He would be in the best of hands.

They really have been amazing godparents, and very dear friends. Toby adored Allen, as did our second son, Felix. At the time of Allen’s death, my boys lived in Abu Dhabi with their mum,. So the last time they saw Allen was at Christmas 2014 when he and Sarah welcomed us into their home for what seems like the millionth time with their astonishing generosity. We were so sad that Allen died just after his birthday a few months later.

For me, Allen was a true warrior. He had tremendous wisdom. He took big risks in his business, his life, and in his humour! Oh, and what stories he told of his exploits. Stories I’ll always remember. He also had deep insights into human nature. Yet he had great humility. Allen truly lived his life. Few people do really live as it takes so much courage. Allen had that courage. In spades. I’ll never forget him.

When my sons were young, I rarely watched TV so I didn’t see any of the documentaries he made for his company, Chameleon TV, though he told us great stories of working with Warwick Davies, Ken Dodd, Chris Bonington, the families in Dumblaine and Lockerbie, and more.

I went to Allen’s funeral on Friday, 24 May 2015 in Leeds. There must have been at least 250 people packing out the church.

His friends Dave and Maggie Clarkson had had dinner with Allen and Sarah on the Wednesday night. Allen got very sick the next day and died the day after. Dave gave a very moving and funny speech in the church, and a few people told sweet or funny stories at the microphone at the do afterwards. So Allen had a great send off.

My son Toby is now 21. Felix is 18.

Here’s Allen with Toby and Felix in April 2013, 4 months after he was diagnosed with cancer…

Allen with his feet on Felix’s lap…

Allen pushing Toby, aged 2, on the swing at his home in Leeds…

In 2010, when Toby was 10, he and Felix, 7, recorded this video birthday card for Allen. The boys do a brief dance at the end to Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel, a song I believe Allen really liked, as he sang it with the boys. There’s a sweet goodbye to him which I find very moving…

I had a video call with Toby on Monday 11 May 2015, and asked Toby to say some words about Allen. He mentions the Meakins, the Booths, and a busy New Year spent with Allen and Sarah…

Later in the week I asked Felix for some words. He laughs about Allen’s risqué sense of humour…

Here are more photos I took over the years…

Allen with Toby…

Allen and Sarah came over one weekend and we went for a walk…

Birthday time with Felix’s Tommy Tippee cup in the shot…

Seven photos of Allen and Felix…

Felix hands on Allen Jewhurst's shoulders 660

One summer we Paynes, the Booths and the Jewhurst went on holiday to Portugal. Catherine was pregnant with Felix at the time. Allen played with Toby in the pool…