BBC NEWS | UK | 'I've said goodbye to Caroline'

Alan Stuttle's daughter Caroline was killed in Australia earlier this year, and he told in our Real Time series of his plans to retrace her steps. The artist has since made that trip.

My son Richard and I went to Australia in June to say goodbye to Caroline. The trip was hectic and emotional yet very worthwhile. We were made most welcome by the mayor and the police of the town where Caroline died and we were treated very kindly.

REAL TIME REVISITED
Caroline in Sydney
Caroline died in April, two months into her gap year trip
She was robbed and was thrown off a 30-foot bridge in Bundaberg
Click here to read Alan's earlier story
The schedule was heavy as we were only there for a week, with no time for jetlag. We went to Sydney, where I painted the Sydney Harbour Bridge as it was one of the last things Caroline saw, and to Bundaberg in north Queensland. There we followed her last walk and saw the spot where she died.

Richard had planned to move to New Zealand this year but he's a bit too upset and will need more time. I still want him to go.

In November I ran an exhibition of my work at my York gallery in Caroline's memory - but also it was to announce my retirement from York into semi-retirement in Scarborough.

Fond farewell

This show featured some of my never-before-seen work of the children, along with paintings dating back 30 or more years.

Portrait, photo by The Evening Press, York
Alan's portrait of Richard and Caroline as children
Some of Caroline's paintings were on display, with the proceeds going to the Caroline Rainbow Foundation, a charity we've set up to assist backpackers if they get into trouble.

Over Christmas I'm working at a college in Essex, encouraging others in their inspiration and interpretation of their art. As I used to be a lecturer there I'm working with colleagues of long-standing, which is of great help and support.

My work has to go on, so my painting for my therapy continues. I am looking for a new beginning in 2003, with hopefully the sale going through on my gallery in York and perhaps for me finding fresh inspiration for my art.

This festive season we are getting updates from those who told their stories in our Real Time series. On Monday, we hear from a landmine clearer spending the holidays at work in the Middle East.


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