Thirty years ago today my parents got married. These days, that fact alone is something remarkable; but to me what they have achieved in those thirty years is even more impressive. All three of their sons have or are working towards advanced degrees; they are both in managerial positions; they have a large, homely house; the list goes on. But what makes them more remarkable is their kindness and patience. They gave me a very good start in life, pushing me when needed, fostering my abilities. I admit I haven’t always been very co-operative, but the fact is I wouldn’t have got to where I am today without them: without t and c in bed on a Saturday morning, without bedtime stories, without science experiments.

My parents are, and always will be, my heroes. Happy anniversary guys.