What an exceptional little boy Sebastian must have been. I am always full of admiration for the way children, especially, seem to be able to turn their own difficulties into positive action on behalf of others. I am delighted to be a Special Friend of the Trust.
We all knew Sebastian as my children went to the same school. I have been keen to help achieve Sebastian’s wish in any way I can since the Trust was first established and I am proud to be a Special Friend of such a worthwhile and special charity.
Richard became a special friend of Sebastian himself when he took the trouble to visit Bassie in the Royal Marsden Hospital in April 2003 and presented him with the perfect gift – a signed Chelsea shirt!
I wasn't lucky enough to know Sebastian but from wherever he is now, he has touched my heart. It is an honour to be involved with this charity and I shall do all I can to make his dreams come true. Go Sebastian! Love Lyn x
Over the past 25 years I have had the great fortune to meet and photograph many dignitaries, celebrities and individuals from all walks of life who have been the inspiration for my photography. None more so than Jane Gates whose passion and determination mirror those of her son Sebastian, who I never met, but I see the reflection of his character in the vision of his Mum. His legacy is immensely powerful and reminds us that, whatever the circumstance of our existence, there are those that will continue to inspire us from a distance.
The death of a child is the unspoken dread of every parent. Unspoken because it is unimaginable, its consequences incalculable. When parents meet such tragedy with a determination to make something positive out of a personal catastrophe it engages the admiration of us all. We are proud to be Sebastian’s Friends.