I was only lucky enough to be with Martin for the last 3 1/2 years, although I first met him 7 years ago. It seems a devastatingly short time but I honestly can’t clearly remember a time when I didn’t know him. The idea of spending our lives together seemed so natural, even physical distance and living in different countries for 2 1/2 years couldn’t break our connection.

Over the last few weeks I have heard so many lovely memories from all that knew Martin. The most common link between them is how welcoming and friendly he was to everyone he met. He was one of the first people to talk to me when I started working at Informa and so many others have said the same. I always used to tell him how much people valued that but he didn’t see it as him doing anything other than what came naturally to him. Martin had such a strong impact on so many people, both personally and professionally; even after he left Informa his clients would still ask about him. Those that still work at Informa know all about the exhibitor Alex from DHL who arrived at his first event after Martin left the company and instead of saying hello to anyone, simply said “this is the first year in doing this event without Martin”. He later brought him up again and asked me if Martin had a wife and kids to which I replied “I hope not!”

My sweet MC,

It's a cliché but words cannot express this feeling of being without you. I know you would not want us to dwell on the sadness, which is a seemingly impossible task, but I will do my best to focus on the happy memories. You gave me my happiest years and you made me a more positive person, and always helped me to see the funny side of any stressful situations. I've never met anyone who has such a natural gift for meeting people and genuine interest in finding out about their lives as you did, and although you were always too humble to believe it, the impact you had on those that you met will be everlasting. Thank you for always reminding me to value everything which I am lucky to have, and to never take anything for granted. To say I will miss you doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Love forever - Your wifey, and your other M.