There is only one word I can use to describe my uncle Sandy and that word is simply LEGEND.

Sandy and my dad (Roger Hosking) are the complete reasons in my life for my love of cars and tinkering with things. When I was 11 I acquired my first car which was a Nissan D21 pickup truck, this was when you had to pay to scrap cars. Sandy arrived at the farm one evening with Fleur and within 5 minutes me and him were out in my yard driving around like hoodlums. Sandy had decided it was time I learned to drift. Quickly the tractor was parked in the middle of the yard and with Sandy riding passenger I was sliding around it much to the dismay of my grandma (Ann).

That Christmas Sandy and Fleur came to the farm and I received a nitro powered monster truck 1/10 scale. After preparing it to drive and I had had a go, Sandy wanted a go. In hindsight this was a mistake. He proceeded to roll over the RC car and after that it never quite ran right.

My very first memory of Sandy was Subarus and that was all I ever wanted in life. Yes the Westfield him and his brother built was fun but it was nothing compared to a Subaru. After Sandy's passing the time came to replace the family car. Being the only petrol head the task was left to me to find a car. Father didn't seem too keen on an Impreza for the lack of boot space, so I eventually found him a Forester.

After passing my driving test I inherited an Ibiza; this was a fun little car but unfortunately didn't last long (being 17). Swiftly after, a Clio was bought. The Clio lasted all of 14 days before being rolled 4 times through a neighbouring farm's post and rail fence (some may remember a similar incident with Sandy's first Impreza). By this time the family car was yet again due for update so at 18 I was given my first Subaru. 2 years on and one engine later I still have my Subaru. In times where petrol is expensive it is not the most practical car but I shall never sell it because of Sandy.

Before I started college I read a story on here from Sandy's old college friend. This painted the way college life would be for me and my friend Tim Bowden. Our rooms were next door and always open, including when we were asleep and even when we had gone home for the weekend. But there was always a picture of Sandy on the wall as he was my mentor.

5 years on since Sandy's death and I still struggle to believe that he has gone. He was one in a million and I will continue every single day to remember him just as he was. I promise you Sandy that I will not let your son live without remembering who you are and most importantly make sure he one day owns a Subaru.

All my love, your nephew James Hosking