Today, on International Women’s Day, I take a moment to reflect on and honour the incredible women who have shaped my life. My family has been gifted with strong, compassionate, and resilient women, each of whom has left an indelible mark on who I am.
My grandmother guided me with wisdom, instilling in me the values of respect and deep spiritual understanding. She was a quiet force of strength, teaching by example rather than words.
My mother, a hardworking nurse, showed me what it truly means to dedicate yourself to something with passion and integrity. She lived by the principle, “If you are going to do something, do it well.” That lesson shaped my approach to work and life, giving me the drive to face challenges head-on. As a person of colour, I have never had the luxury of hiding from life’s trials—I have faced them with strength and honour, carrying forward the resilience she instilled in me.
My mother-in-law, the heartbeat of love in our family home, radiated kindness and unity, making everyone feel safe and cherished. Her presence bound us together with warmth and care.
And my wife, my yin to my yang, my soul’s greatest companion. She revelled in the role of Mother Earth, loving all children and nurturing them with warmth and joy. The bond she shared with our children was one of pure love, a connection that emanated laughter and joy throughout our home. Her kindness had no boundaries—she gave without hesitation, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her felt her generosity, her love, and her light. She was a gift to us all, and though she is no longer by my side, she remains within me, guiding me with her enduring spirit. I miss her dearly, every day.
Now, I see that same strength, resilience, and compassion in my three daughters. They have inherited the legacies of the incredible women before them and now step forward into a world of change and challenge. I have no doubt they will face it with the same courage, grace, and determination.
On this International Women’s Day, I honour and respect them all—the past, the present, and the future. Their strength is a testament to the power of womanhood, and I am eternally grateful for their love, wisdom, and presence in my life.
A Call to Action in Memory of Teresa
As we celebrate the strength and beauty of women today, I ask you to join me in honouring the memory of my beloved wife, Teresa Cesvette. She was a woman of boundless love, kindness, and selflessness—taken too soon by bowel cancer.
In her honour, I invite you to donate to Bowel Cancer UK through Teresa’s memorial page:
👉 teresacesvette.muchloved.com
Your support will help fund research, raise awareness, and provide vital resources to those battling this horrible disease. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to a future where fewer families have to experience the pain of losing a loved one too soon.
Today on International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the women who inspire us and make a difference in the fight against bowel cancer.
Thank you for your love, kindness, and support. 💙
