SO, Ken Dodd has gone to make laughter in heaven and I'm sure we will all miss him.
Hearing of his death made me think of the occasion when I met him in Liverpool.
Back in 1988, while working for Save the Children Fund, I was privileged to launch BBC’s first Red Nose Day with Ken Dodd 30 years ago.
What a truly fantastic experience it was to see how much the people of Liverpool thought of him.
They just could not get enough of that fantastic man and the amount of time he gave freely was truly remarkable.
I will never forget the conversation we had.
I was amazed that he was frightened of heights and wouldn't go up the tower near St John’s.
Before he left, Ken gave me one of his tickling sticks with the words ‘Happiness always, Ken Dodd’ written on it and said "Remember Ian, happiness always" and yes, I have been blessed with more than my share.
Thanks again Ken, the last of the great truly great entertainers.
You will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
Ian Greenhalgh
Bolton
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