When I first met Hilary in Lincoln in the early 'noughties, she was blowing open the doors of silence around PPS and other neurological conditions.  Hilary most definitely led the charge to have PPS recognised by the medical communities in the UK.. and beyond. With her unique flair for getting people together to talk and take action, she introduced me to a host of activists in the field - as a result of which I was able to carry the messages about PPS locally here in the North West of England & to form alliances with the Neurological Alliance & other groups.  Hilary also paid me a special compliment by nominating me to be the 13th, and last, honorary member of the Sisters of The Fat Dragon Slayers (SFDS). This has been a huge honour & gift to me, resulting in enduring friendships and a support group which continues to keep in touch today; I have also made trips both to the U.S and Canada, meeting with most of the members of the SFDS, either at Polio Health International's World Polio Conference (2003) or as a welcomed guest in the homes of some of our SFDS members (Marcia, Linda Van).  Thank you Hilary for everything you did for & with us.  (Mary Kinane)