I am writing this for at least three different reasons. First,on behalf of all the Board members of the National Independent Advocacy Board. Second as the chair of NIAB. And third, more personally. It was not much over a year ago that I took on the Chair of NIAB. At my first meeting, Hannah sat on my left. With her signers opposite, I was aware of her deafness but nothing else, except her rather pallid appearance, which contrasted with her very bright eyes and enthusiastic persona. Though I have a long experience of these kinds of committees, every new one is a bit scary and Hannah helped me through, whispering explanations in my ears. We met again some months later at the launch of meic, the National Advocacy and Advice Helpline for Wales, where Hannah took centre stage and we joked about our shared initials: HW. I gave her a hug to commend her excellent 'performance'. I still knew nothing about her cystic fibrosis. When she went into hospital, in the autumn of last year, we all hoped she would find a way through though we knew things were tough and possibly bleak. We had limited contact for some time, though it was during that time that other Board members - who had known her longer than me - told me so much more about Hannah's qualities and contribution. We then talked about adding another young person to the Board, not to replace Hannah but to supplement her - to keep young people's voices and experiences at the heart of our considerations. I said I would write to Hannah to see what she thought about this. Hannah said it was best to exchange views by blog, so I would have to sign up to the CysticLife website. This I did - and, as a result, I have learned so much in the past few months. Thank you Hannah. This opened my eyes to a new world of phenomenal courage, resilience, pain, anxiety, determination and more. I am supposed to be an expert on young people's lives, but I knew absolutely nothing about the lives of young people such as Hannah. I explored and learned. I explained to my young children that other children and young people are not so fortunate with their health. They wrote a note to Hannah (I typed it, they said the words) hoping she would get better; I hope she read it. I scrutinised the website. I talked to CF fundraisers in pubs. None of this would every have happened had I not met Hannah. I wish we did not have to have such knowledge and understanding but, sadly, we do - and now I do. Thanks again. We on the Board will approach our commitment to advocacy services for children and young people with renewed energy in Hannah's memory. To secure strong and meaningful advocacy for young people will be the greatest tribute we can pay to her, though we will also pay our respects in more personal and in other professional ways. I do so publicly right now, for me and for the Board, because, dear Hannah, you opened a door for me that probably no-one else would or could have done. Thank you once more. Howard Howard Williamson Chair, National Independent Advocacy Board