Setting the scene

In March 2008 Andries phoned me from a Momentum product launch and told me that there is an opportunity to move to London and work for RMB Asset Management International. This is something that we have discussed for some time, but it was something different now that it became a distinct possibility. With two young sons (Ivan was not even born at the time) we knew that it would be a challenge, but one that we were keen to take up.

We wrapped up everything at home, and on 3 October left for Heathrow - with a six month old baby, two and three quarter year old toddler and a mother-in-law in tow. Our new home was a two bedroom flat on the third floor of an apartment building on the Isle of Dogs (near Canary Wharf), overlooking a beautiful park and the river Thames.

Andries enjoyed his work immensely, and even though I had a couple of tough days (and weeks) with the boys at home - especialy during the colder months - we settled in well, and even managed to travel to Paris, Belgium and the Cotswolds.

In March 2009 Andries' company announced some personnel cuts, and he was fortunate to still be employed. His work load increased somewhat as two of his close colleagues were made redundant, but he revelled in the challenge.

So, in short, all was hunky dory until the month of May, when we were surprised by an unexpected tackle from left field (to use a football expression...)