It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of our Chair of Trustees, Claire Miskin, who died on 27th October 2011 aged 63.

Barrister, Middle Temple Bencher, Recorder, advocacy and public speaking trainer and much more besides, she was and remains enormously loved by her beloved husband Neil, her family, and an endless list of friends and colleagues amongst whom I and the Inforce Executive have been privileged to belong.  Claire’s long and determined fight with cancer has taken place over the last 20 years and she has managed the endless rounds of surgery, chemo- and radio-therapy with a courage that has been both inspirational and humbling.

Claire was a rock to those in need and she was always there for her family, friends and the organisations which she supported.  Her contribution to Inforce has been enormous and her support and advice in the early days in particular were vital to the development of the charity and its ability to deal with challenges and those less than supportive. I had the privilege of knowing Claire as a colleague and friend for many years and have been inspired by her dignified and inspirational approach to managing her health while maintaining her career, family life and friendships.  Claire was one of life’s fighters and just as she fought illness she would fight for the needs of others and causes she supported with the same vigour and ethical stance, endowing them with her knowledge and skills.

An indomitable spirit, her sharp wit and quick and often naughty humour were an essential component of her warm, vibrant and irreplaceable personality.  I first knew Claire as a teacher; from the mid-1990s she gallantly took on the task of teaching advocacy and expert witness skills to numerous cohorts of MSc students aspiring towards careers in forensic archaeology and anthropology. Over many years colleagues and I watched with awe as she transformed nervous souls devoid of any skill and confidence in public speaking (and those full of misplaced confidence!) into stars; she is remembered with great fondness and gratitude by many.  She had an instant and innate understanding of human nature and personality types that shaped how she could best effect a difference; she rarely if ever got it wrong.

There are some people who make a positive and significant difference to the lives and quality of life of others; Claire was one such and I remain truly grateful for the privilege of knowing her and calling her friend.  She made a significant contribution to Inforce and we will be the poorer without her valuable and astute input.

Claire will be very much missed but her contribution lives on in the lives of those she has so selflessly helped and befriended.