I was stunned to learn of the death of actor Simon MacCorkindale of cancer, aged only 58.

He was a great supporter of Headway and was truly fabulous when he visited us at our Cambridge centre two years ago. Simon also had a local connection as he was born in Ely and retained close ties with his mother who lived outside Cambridge.

At the time Simon was on tour with a theatre group performing in the thriller Sleuth at the Arts Theatre in Cambridge and offered to call in and share some of his thespian tips with our drama group.

I sat and watched transfixed. There was no superstar act, he was so humble. He sat and listened to the group, offering words of encouragement and advice. He captivated and inspired them and told the group that learning lines was not the most important part of acting, that it was more important to learn the story and be able to develop your character around the role. This was great advice and very relevant to those with an acquired brain injury as they are likely to struggle with remembering lines.

Simon was a class act and spent much longer with us than anticipated, happily posing for photographs. We had no idea he was suffering from cancer at the time, none of us had an inkling. We were so appreciative of his kindness. Looking back, it was an Oscar performance which came straight from his heart.

I was mesmerised by his gentleness and patience and remember thinking, “lucky Susan”, his beautiful wife Susan George, who he told us was a keen horsemwoman, as well as a lovely actress too. He died in her arms in a London clinic on Thursday night.

Simon really left his mark with us.  I will always remember him and I find it unbelievable that he is no longer with is.  I feel so upset about this, and, of course, give my very sincere sympathies to his wife and family.