My dear Hugh,
What a journey it has been as I write this in 2014, marking the year that the agency you founded turned 21 and you celebrate your 47th birthday. And yet right now your world is filled with the seemingly insurmountable challenge of whether you will ever regain the use of your limbs, as you lie paralysed from the neck down in York Hospital.
Your eventual recovery, after six long and soul-searching days, three operations and more than 30 years of ongoing treatment, will provide you with the belief and bloody mindedness to fight for what you truly believe in.
At the time it felt very final. But your sense of utter failure, having been expelled from school with minimal qualifications, will not be as terminal as it feels right now.
The incredible love of your family, the strong work ethic instilled by Mum and Dad, your ability to turn your hand to everything - whether driving HGVs round Scotland, road trains across Australia, launching The Game Fair or raising £5,000 to start RPM - will be borne from the same self-belief and determination.
Your tenacity, ability to see the positive despite what has been thrown your way, your patience and outright belief in the abilities of other people and your questionable sense of humour and laughter will draw the very best people to your side. Trust in them and, of course, your instinct - it invariably will be right.
Do sweat the small stuff, it really does matter, but don't lose sight of your vision. At times it will feel utterly irrelevant when you are faced with short-term challenges, but it will be key in ensuring the longevity and success of your agency and your sanity.
Nurturing genuine friendships with friends and clients, borne out of an unstinting commitment to their business success, will be one of your greatest testaments. And although the pad and pen by your bed will help the broken sleep and failing memory, it won't make up for the occasional early night without tequila.
You don't have to try to do everything yourself. Ask for more advice - you will be amazed at how willing people are to help and at the resulting benefits you will receive.
Finally, take the odd moment to enjoy where you are now. This is not a dress rehearsal and you don't get a second chance.
Yours supportively
P.S. The amazing lady who was by your side when you came round after your second operation all those years ago, but whom you nearly didn't call, has been by your side ever since, your absolute rock, your loving wife and soul mate. So make sure you get the right number and make the call when you have the opportunity. You won't regret it.
Hugh Robertson, founding partner and CEO of agency
Profile: Hugh launched the agency in 1993 after identifying an opportunity for brands in the experiential market. Twenty-one years on and his vision for an independent marketing agency is now an award-winning business that employs 131 people on global campaigns and events. Hugh is also a business leader with the Marketing Society, an RCA fellow and MMA board member.