Stephen Hawking has died aged 76
<p>Stephen Hawking, world-renowned physicist, cosmologist and author of <em>A Brief History of Time</em>, has passed away at the age of 76.</p>
<p>Professor Hawking’s family confirmed the news via a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.</p>
<p>“He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years. His courage and persistence with his brilliance and humour inspired people across the world.</p>
<p>“He once said, ‘’It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’</p>
<p>“We will miss him forever.”</p>
<p>The English-born, Oxford- and Cambridge-educated scientist was diagnosed with a rare, early-onset form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1963 that slowly paralysed him. However, he was still able to communicate via a single cheek muscle connected to a speech-generating device.</p>
<p>Despite being given just two years to live, Hawking defied all expectations, going on to become one of the world’s most respected scientific minds.</p>
<p>His life story became the subject of the acclaimed film <em>The Theory of Everything</em>, in which Hawking was portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, who won an Oscar for his role.</p>
<p>As <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/mar/14/stephen-hawking-professor-dies-aged-76" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>The Guardian</strong></em></span></a> so <span>succinctly </span>put it, <span>"Those who live in the shadow of death are often those who live most."</span></p>
<p>Our thoughts are with the Hawking family at this difficult time.</p>
