Tribute to Karim Manji

Karim, Our paths only crossed for a few days at a time in 2019, yet your presence and kindness impacted my path deeply, and I feel very grateful. Two short stories came to mind that I wanted to share. Firstly, during the urban retreat you helped organise in London, you’d written an email asking us to bring nutritious food. Unfortunately, I hadn’t read it fully and turned up to the daylong retreat with just a small packet of Hula Hoops. As we sat to practice eating mindfully, I tried quietly to make the crisps last. You noticed and kindly offered to share your lunch. When I declined, you gently insisted that I at least take your apple, which I gratefully accepted and enjoyed. Secondly, you kindly squeezed me in at the last minute on a weekend retreat in Essex, thoughtfully finding me a comfortable place to sleep. Your warmth and genuine care made me feel welcome and supported. Reading your family’s tribute, it appears you might be an Arsenal fan. As a Spurs supporter, I will practice forgiveness for this, though perhaps it explains the suspicious timing of the urban retreat, which coincided with both legs of Spurs’ Champions League matches! I wish you and your family and friends peace and support on our shared path. With love and appreciation, Gareth