Stories & Memories

 

I just wanted to add a few short memories I have of Toby from my own personal experience.

My first proper encounter with Toby was around 1995, when I attended a Christian home group. I believe Toby had recently graduated as a drama therapist, and he had agreed to do a guided vision exercise. We all closed our eyes and imagined ourselves following the path that Toby so dramatically described. His aim was to lead us to a place where we could gain a greater closeness to Jesus. I remember distinctly being enabled to come to Jesus and put into his hands my pain and suffering.

Much later on in 2000, Toby was visiting Jo his friend who I was sharing a house with. We all gathered around the piano and began to sing, we all made quite a good harmony together!!

I had trained as an Art Therapist and found the medium of art great for working through my own stuff. I really wanted to use a studio space and by chance Toby had room in his studio to allow me some space. I only used it a few times, but I found it a peaceful place and always felt welcome and inspired by the grittiness and honesty of Toby's paintings. I was privileged enough to at a later stage sit and mind an exhibition of Toby's paintings for an hour or two. Toby's talents were numerous and to all this you could add a kind heart and a nature that was obviously determined to win even when humanly he had lost soooo much.

The last time I met Toby he was buying new furniture for his own flat. He seemed a little quiet at first, possibly not wanting to rejoice in his move to living alone. But after a few minutes the jovial and fun loving Toby emerged. I can honestly say he was someone I will never forget and I hope I always take strength from his example of how to live.

Jacky Harvey