Alan was my Ph.D. supervisor 93-96, and I could not have wished for a better mentor. I doubt I would have made it through to the end without Alans support, enthusiasm and sense of humour. He taught me so much, and not just about science. The way he always looked after his students and the way he treated people still inspires me today. 
I’m so sorry to hear this news, but have so many happy memories of the lab work, the 5-a-side football matches and the games of cricket we did together, plus also the ‘occasional’ pint in the Mount Vernon. Best wishes to his lovely family too who fed and watered me and manybother students over the years.