Professionally, he transformed lives. Personally, his impact on those he loved was no less seismic.But four days ago, Martin Kelly, one of Britain's most celebrated cosmetic surgeons, died.
Without warning, Martin, an apparently fit and healthy 42-year-old, collapsed in the doorway of his London home. He died of a heart condition. Martin's work brought him a host of celebrity clients and he delighted in the precision of his work.
But his true passion was for his NHS patients and the Third World children with deformed faces whom he treated through the charity Facing the World. He was about to celebrate his tenth wedding anniversary with film-star wife Natascha McElhone, 36.
They had two sons - Theo, eight, and Otis, four - and Natascha is pregnant with their third child. Her heartbreak is beyond measure. But Natascha's desire to celebrate Martin's life is overpowering. Here, as she wrote it, is her heartbreaking tribute to the love of her life.
Natascha McElhone and Martin Kelly
This is near impossible for me. Anything I want to say is from such a personal perspective and, even though it's no one's business, I do want the world to know how incredible this man was.
I'm hesitant, also, because we live in a world of superlatives, and words like 'incredible' have become hollow and meaningless, which is everything my husband was not.
I know anyone who was in his sphere felt a strange electric current chase across the room as he entered it. I know he was the love of my life, the dearest, most exciting and witty friend I have ever had.
I remember once I was asked a question by a journalist: "Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?" I think I was meant to respond with a name like 'Einstein' and I said "Martin Kelly". They said: "Who's that?"
"Well, he happens to be my husband, but I promise you, if you met him you'd also want to be stuck in a lift with him." (Said journalist was female.) "As well as being gorgeous, he's the most exciting, stimulating person I have ever met."