‘What defined him was his determination to become a better man’

Over Easter, our 2025 Longford Scholar Fedor Bryant-Dantes died at the age of 48. Here his older brother, David Pentek, himself a past Longford Scholar, writes of how hard Fedor had worked  to build a new life through higher education, taking every chance and helping others to do the same. He was within touching distance of achieving his goals.

My younger brother Fedor passed away suddenly on Easter Saturday from a heart attack, with his fiancée, Jacqui, at his side. His death has left a deep void in the lives of all of us who knew and loved him. Fedor — or ‘Ween’, as I knew him — was a charismatic, intelligent and deeply likeable man with a natural warmth that drew people to him. He had a dark sense of humour that was never offensive, an incredible gift for storytelling, and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was inspirational without trying to be. Simply by the way he lived and treated others, he gave others hope for the future.

As well as Jacqui, he leaves behind his three children Lily, Ellie and Alfie, his grandchildren Athena and Otto, and our sister Claire. He wasn’t always a perfect man, and he would be the first to admit that he had made mistakes, but what defined him was his determination to grow, to learn, and each day to become a better man.

Fedor had served in The Queen’s Royal Hussars, rising to the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the army he worked in close protection, serving in places including Afghanistan, demonstrating courage, resilience and calm strength in challenging environments. Those qualities stayed with him throughout his life. In 2023, he became the second Longford Scholar in our family, pouring his energy into education and personal development. At the time of his death, he was just two months away from graduating in Creative Writing at Portsmouth University. Throughout his time there, starting attending when on day-release from Open prison, and continuing when he was released just eight days before his death, he showed exemplary discipline and purpose: up early each morning, starting his day with routines that reflected his mindset of self-improvement, training regularly, following strict plans, and encouraging others at the gym and university alike. He would spend his days writing drafts and refining his assignments. His tutors recognised his talent, and he was on track to achieve a distinction. Beyond university, he took on mentoring and coaching roles, helping others with Maths and English, particularly during his time supporting education in prison. He did so with compassion, patience and genuine belief in the potential of those he helped.

He was really thriving as a Longford Scholar, and had built a strong relationship with his Longford Trust mentor, Alistair, a retired English lecturer, whose support he celebrated in a blog on the trust’s website back in February, as a ‘quietly affirming’ presence in his life. ‘He reminds me, by example rather than instruction, that wisdom shouldn’t crowd a room. Alistair gives me space to breathe, to think – and, I hope, in time – to offer that same space to others. For his kindness, wisdom, and friendship, I am deeply grateful.’

Recently Fedor won a Dragons’ Den-style pitch with Project ReMake, one of the Longford Trust’s partner organisations, after he presented to their judges his plans to help people express themselves through writing. His future was looking so bright. He had even secured a new job and was due to attend his induction meeting after Easter. He shared with me how excited he was about the opening of this next chapter, about his living life going forward with purpose and optimism. Tragically, it was not to be, but he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, compassion and hope. He will be deeply missed.