When her son Stephen died in an unprovoked racial attack 25 years ago, Doreen Lawrence committed her life to fighting for justice for him. Her plight has seen her promote reforms of the police service and create the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust which encourages a positive community legacy for him. Earlier this year it was announced that there would be an annual commemorative ‘Stephen Lawrence Day’ each year to recognise the changes that have been made in Stephen’s name and the changes that are still needed in our society. To meet such an inspiring person was a real privilege. We were limited to a rather plain House of Lords office on Millbank but the afternoon light streaming in through the windows was so gentle and beautiful, it complimented her gentle demeanour.