Lynda Gwilliam and I were Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist in The Hand Unit at Wrightington Hospital, Lynda from 1979 when Professor (Mr) Stanley was first appointed as part – time Hand Surgeon , myself from 1983. To adequately express what the following years working alongside him meant to both of us is way beyond my literary ability. He was brilliant, highly skilled, innovative, compassionate and had unique rapport with his patients. He was a very informative as well as highly entertaining speaker. He and his wife were extremely generous with hospitality entertaining the whole team at their home on numerous occasions. He also instigated team ‘days out', the most adventurous of which was to Amsterdam. On wards rounds he was more than once heard to say ‘ what we need is a .....’, on being asked, Where would I find one of those?’ He would reply ‘nowhere, I've just thought of it'. He would frequently join us in the canteen and sketch out new ideas on a napkin or turn up in the splint room to try out an idea. He was a great advocate of team work and encouraged each member of the team to make their contribution. He loved teaching and passing on his skills and knowledge at every level; in the out-patient clinic, on ward rounds, and in theatre. He taught at local, regional, national and international courses and conferences. He encouraged us to join our professional organisations and supported us in being able to attend and make our own contributions. Hence we also gained opportunities to travel and participate in international meetings It was the greatest of privileges to have known him and worked alongside him for more than 25 years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him Ann Birch and Lynda Gwilliam