As some of you may know, the Daily Telegraph’s brilliant puzzles editor, not to mention compiler, Chris Lancaster was sadly diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) a while ago. He has written a very moving and detailed, yet humorous account of the challenges of living with this dreadful condition in today’s newspaper.
You can read it by clicking on the link, I hope you do so as Chris would like to raise awareness of the condition.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/a6354fb636b0ddd9
Chris’s colleagues at the Telegraph have composed a tribute to him in the form of today’s excellent Prize Puzzle – do give it a go.
A very moving article, one that I will be sure to contribute to the charity appeal. And what a brilliant crossword too.
“Now that’s what I call a Nina”
A tough read, but incredibly moving, fizzing with heart and spirit. All the very, very best to Chris and his family. Today’s crossword couldn’t be more on the money. A spot-on tribute, but also a cracker in its own right.
Yes indeed a very courageous and poignant article. I look forward to tackling today’s tribute puzzle.
Chris and his colleagues provide a very welcome daily exercise
A sad and moving tale and showing an enormous amount of courage and humanity. On a lighter note, I see Chris still has a weakness for yesterday’s quickie pun, seems very apposite now.
All the very best to Chris and his family.
Thanks for all the brilliant crosswords Chris and all the work you’ve done to bring us our daily dose of cruciverbalism.
Looking forward to today’s puzzle
A beautiful article. In the relatively short time I’ve known Chris it’s everything I would have expected, moving, heartfelt, courageous and witty. I doff my cap.
I have yet to read the article but I will do so later. Best wishes to Chris and his family and friends. What a belter of a Nina in today’s puzzle, it was quite brilliant.
We knew about Chris’s condition for some time, but it was so difficult reading the article. He has been not only an innovative editor and compiler, but also a very kind and generous contributor to this wonderful site. I can only hope that his remaining days are spent in relative peace with his family and friends. The puzzle today is a fitting tribute to a true professional and fellow crossword nut. Good luck, Chris.
A very honest and moving article – best wishes to Chris and his family in a very difficult time.
The tribute puzzle today is superb and not too tricky so I hope that everyone will have a go at it.
Can only endorse the sentiments expressed above. So very sad. Reading through the comments attached to the article I see Chris likes his music – I hope he gets to listen to lots more of it while enjoying a malt.
Continued best wishes to him & his family.
My word. What a brilliant person Chris is.
To be dealt such a cruel blow and to not be mentally shot to pieces is truly inspiring. The world would be in pretty good shape if it had a tenth or even a 13d of his character and approach to life. I am in awe and, of course, very sad.
I’ve just taken another look at yesterday’s crossword and am so pleased I said it was one for the ages as its compiler certainly is.
Mr Lancaster, I salute you.
P.S We need one of our wealthy solvers to buy him a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, pronto.
My thanks to the blog sages for drawing my attention to Chris’ article and today’s puzzle. It is always sad to read of a MND diagnosis; but it is often accompanied by inspiring stories of the fortitude of those afflicted with the disease, as well as their families and supporters. To echo a comment I just made on DT 31097, the puzzle is a wonderful tribute to Chris, to whom I send my very best wishes – as well as my sincere thanks for the splendid contribution he makes to the crossword landscape.
I echo the words above and would like to say Mr Lancaster, you are a very brave man.
My very best wishes to you and your family.
If you wish to make a donation to the MND Association you can do so via the Telegraph Appeal donation page here:
https://telegraph.ctdonate.org/index:payment.html
I was aware of Chris’s awful predicament, but the courage and humour that he has shown in the face of adversity are quite remarkable.
The crossword today is a wonderful tribute to him If you haven’t already solved it, I would highly recommend that you give it a go.
Very best wishes to Chris and his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Praying for Mr Lancaster and his family as they together deal with his horrible illness.
Great crossword. Thank you. Amazing tribute.
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