You may have read about my friend Miriam elsewhere on the internet, but I’d like to tell you about her, and how my colleagues helped me honour her memory.
I first met Miriam about 10 years ago when we worked together at Quarto Publishing. I was taken with her immediately. She was so friendly and full of love for everyone – and in return, everyone loved her. The thing I remember most about Mim is her voice and inimitable laugh – when you heard it you couldn’t help but smile and feel a warm glow inside.
Miriam was only 32 when she was killed in the July 7th bombings that hit London last year. I was – I am - heartbroken. We’d actually been out of touch since I left Quarto; these things happen, and you think, “there’ll always be time to catch up”. But we’d see each other occasionally through mutual friends – and when we did, it was as if no time had passed.
A couple of months after her death Steve A suggested that Whitewater could do something to raise money for the Miriam Hyman Memorial Fund. The Fund was set up by Mim’s family with sight-saving charity ORBIS, who, coincidentally are one of our clients.
It was a great idea, but I was having real difficulty thinking of something we could do that would be worthy of Miriam’s memory.
And then it struck me: I had read that Mim had hiked up Mt. Snowdon with her friend Keren, and that she loved going for walks on Hampstead Heath. So why not a sponsored walk? It was the perfect idea.
So that’s what we did. On the 23rd June 2006, we walked 16 miles around the Chiltern Hills to raise money for Mim’s Fund.
And what a perfect day it was. We started from Berkhamsted Station and went along the Grand Union Canal Path. Rested at Cow Roast Lock before moving on to meet the Chiltern Way. We followed the route to Grim’s Ditch, then through Drayton Wood and Beechwood Farm, before stopping at the White Lion in Buckland Common for a spot of lunch and first aid for blisters!
Then on for the second part of the walk... keeping on the Chiltern Way down to Durham Farm, through endless woods and fields (very picturesque), past Hampden House and Barne’s Grove before ending the walk at Steve and Claire’s house, nestled in the woods.
To end the day, a great party was laid on with delicious food from Marie Clare and funky sounds from Simon C and his band, Soul Jam, and guest vocalist Esther, Miriam’s sister. Despite tired feet and weary bodies we danced until late in the evening. Even I danced! - and I NEVER dance!! But I was dancing for Mim. And I was dancing because I was so happy and proud of what we have achieved. We hoped to raise £7,000. It was an ambitious target, but to pass it and go past £9,500 is just amazing. This event has been very close to my heart and I’m touched by the passion and commitment people have shown throughout.
There are so many people to thank... Steve and Claire for their hospitality, the Walk Committee (Nicky T, Clare H, Steve A, Nick C and Simon C), Marie-Clare and her helpers for feeding us all, Simon C (who, after setting the pace for the whole 16 miles, found reserves of energy to perform a stonking set with his band Soul Jam), all my brilliant colleagues, Mavis, John and Esther Hyman for their continued support throughout, and everyone who sponsored us! Thank you one and all. It’s been a privilege and an experience I will never forget.
I’m sure that somewhere, dear Mim is smiling on us with a twinkle in her eye.
Steve Tse
