THIS week, it’s right that we take time to reflect on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. The former South African President was, quite simply, one of the most important global figures of the last century. For me, if there’s one human quality that he embodied more than any other, it is courage. In one if his most memorable quotations – and there were many – Nelson Mandela once famously said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury struck exactly the right note when he praised Nelson Mandela’s extraordinary courage during a service of thanksgiving on Sunday.

Justin Welby said, “Great injustice is overcome only by great courage.

“Nelson Mandela showed his courage by his determination in the face of evil, and by his humanity in the experience of victory.”

Of course, courage manifests itself in many different ways. I was struck by Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s tribute to Nelson Mandela in which he described his “moral and ethical courage.” During and after his presidency, Mandela had the courage to do and say things that he knew would not be popular.

When the Truth And Reconciliation Commission published its findings, some of which Mandela’s own supporters strongly opposed, Mandela had the grace to publicly accept the report. That took considerable political courage, and that is an invaluable lesson for all of us, not least politicians.

Nelson Mandela was human, but his example of dignity, patience, respect and forgiveness was remarkable.

He helped ensure that South Africa did not descend into bloody conflict. And he ensured that domination on the basis of race would be no part of the country’s future. That was the greatest of his many historic achievements. He will be missed and remembered always.

Courage of a very different kind was on display this weekend in Swindon when a group of brave souls conquered their fears by abseiling from the roof of the Great Western Hospital.

About 40 people completed the 90 foot drop to raise money for two charities, Action For Children and Brighter Futures. I was delighted to take part. Well, perhaps ‘delighted’ isn’t quite the right word, given my lifelong fear of heights.

It was scary at the top, but in the end it was a case of just stepping back and trusting the equipment.

Over the course of the weekend, more than £7,500 was raised by the event.

It’s great that so many people got involved. For me, when people come together like this, it is an example of Swindon at its very best.