My husband, Graham Moar, taught at St Luke’s RC School for 33 years, retiring 2011. He recalls teaching Sara Riley and had a huge admiration of her father’s work, especially the Stations of the Cross hung in St Luke’s Church.

In 2007 it was our Pearl Wedding Anniversary, I had it in mind to buy a print of one of them, similar to the prints that were made available in 1982 marking the Pope’s visit where he was depicted bending over a young girl. I looked to make a purchase online of one of the Stations but sadly none were available. Not one to leave unexplored options I emailed Harold Riley to enquire where I may get hold of any copy directly, explaining the reason for the request. He very kindly invited me to his studio. I was off work at the time having treatment for my 2nd breast cancer diagnosis, the 1st being 3½ years earlier, so was easily able to attend at any time he was free. Our daughter Laura, then a struggling student at Salford University, accompanied me. We had a splendid 2/3 hrs with him. He gave us a tour of his studio and regaled us of many stories of those whom sat for him (Nelson Mandela stuck in my mind). Such a wonderful man who’d had a very enriched and nourished life but made my daughter and I, of very ordinary backgrounds, very welcome and comfortable. He went above and beyond with his time and generosity. As there were no prints available he soooo kindly offered a choice of several practiced original paintings of the Stations. He even went a step further and sketched Laura much to hers and my delight. We were made to feel very special. There was even more though as he gave us a copy of his illustrated booklet Seven Prayers, all of which were gifts and he wouldn’t accept any payment for any of the items. A truly joyful time which will always be cherished.

Harold generously gave of his heart and on many levels that day and I doubt he was ever aware of their depth. A very precious and deeply appreciated gift, a shared magical experience neither my daughter nor I would ever forget, especially in the dark days that neither of us would ever own up to each other how worried we were for an uncertain future potentially without me, more so, to say that my husband was delighted with his Anniversary gift was quite an understatement.

Harold’s family should be very very proud of the very great, special and gifted person Harold was and still is in memory.