Our mutual friends told me, before I even met Heath, that it was going to be "immediate love": we both loved surfing and were born Aries. The day I left my Silverlake haven and flew back into rainy London, I was homesick. It was fate that Heath, instead of anyone else, on his way to a blues gig, picked me up that evening in a crammed hatchback outside some east-end pub. It was our first encounter and within seconds he told me I was family. Heath could see I was buzzing with all that Californian warmth and I knew it reminded him of the crew he missed so much back there.

We used to giggle and share intimate stories, and his trust made me feel part of something sacred. It was a comfort to have each other this side of the water and luckily Heath never hesitated to reach out. The random conversations with this old soul felt so easy: just checking in to say hello is something I'll miss.

Heath's call to see where I was last New Years Eve touched me, but it came a little late and I too was to far away to make the countdown with him. I remember thinking of crazy ways I could get back into London in time for midnight. Looking back, I was displaced and panicky because seeing 2008 in, with Heath, felt vital somehow. I now know why.

Those who shine twice as bright, last half as long and it's not fair. Finding someone as free-spirited as Heath Ledger is like finding blazing sunshine on a bleak morning. You hope it's there, you don't expect to feel it, but if you do, it's the purest, most soothing source of hope and energy one could want.
 
The roles Heath played, both on and off screen were not easy, but fuelled by an unforgiving drive for fulfillment, he fought for his achievements, and made enlightened decisions.
 
Hard work meant new limits and though these took him to the darkness at times, they bred raw power. Heath was never afraid of deep feelings and despite the pain he sometimes went through for this intensity, he was no victim - his unapologetic charisma told you that much. He accepted international stardom, but never accepted its plastic rewards. Stoked on spontaneous surf trips, or shamanic escapes to Woodstock, he was able to laugh at the crazed fame game, and turn his back on the bullshit.
 
Good times were good enough because they were real. Falling asleep in hammocks with familiar heads on his shoulder and road trips with no legroom. Heath will be remembered not only for his infinite gift, but also for the beautiful soul he was. A bohemian boy, who resisted a Hollywood stereotype, he remained true to a humble vision of friendship and fun. Remember the way he danced. Happily lost in an innocent, rhythmic haze of seismic boogie. Those solace moments of isolation on a crowded dance floor, seemed to mirror his enigma in the eye of celebrity scrutiny. Let his dance be a testament to the way he lived and perhaps to why he was often so surrounded with innate musicianship. The colourful misfits, who, during the dusky jam sessions or sun drenched pen frenzies, were unaware of how soon their precious friend would be stolen.
 
His rare trust was a blessing and he cherished family on every level: as a son, as a brother and ultimately as a father. His baby girl should know, she made him feel truly alive, and he is alive in her, always.
 
Heath, you're now Forever Young, like Dylan urged us to be. Tattooed onto the body of time, in the resplendent hue of peace. Cruise the celestial highways and know you were loved.