On a cold and gloomy day in December 2004, I met Jon for the first time
over lunch at Ciao Bella's to discuss ways in which we could strengthen
ties between the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Great Ormond
Street Hospital and Institute of Child Health. Jon was full of ideas and
saw links running through UCL departments, institutions, and faculties
long before "interdisciplinarity", "translational research" and "from
laboratory to clinic" had become popular catch phrases. It was so
inspiring to be in the company of this brilliant scientist who was at the
same time selfless, humble, and driven by the desire to empower others. On
leaving the restaurant, I had the distinct thought that despite his young
age, Jon had already reached the status of a kind and caring statesman.
Our subsequent meetings only strengthened this impression and deepened my
admiration of his character.
The last time I saw Jon was this past Summer. He was sitting in the
sunshine with a group of friends having coffee at Starbucks on Lambs
Conduit Street. If only I had known this would be the last glimpse that I
would have of this wonderful man. My thoughts are with his wife, his
sons, and his parents.
