Neil I first met your lovely Mam in 2003/04 not long after your Mam and Dad split up when you were moving from Lemington to Benwell. You would have been about 16 when I first got to know you, and I'm so pleased I have the wonderful memories of you to look back on. You were in a bad place when we first met, what with teenage hormones, your parents splitting up sibling rivalry and your uncanny knack of attracting trouble,  you should have made me want to steer clear. But no regardless of everything that was going on in your life there was that special something that shone through and pulled you into a deep place in my heart.

I can't define our relationship, words don't do justice to how I feel but mutual respect springs to mind. You were an enigmatic mix of an old head on young shoulders and young and daft ( shouldn't work but it made you you).  You always took the time to say hello, ask how I was etc and have a proper adult conversation whilst you were still an awkward teenager, perplexing, unique endearing are all words that spring to mind when I think of you Neil. 

Ì took you to Sheffield one night when things were bad - you didn't want to go and you were far from happy but we didn't even get to Durham before you were back to yourself and apologised. You were back home soon enough and life went on with it's ups and downs and whenever I visited and you were in you would come down and say hello, give me a huge hug and ask how life was going. It didn't matter what you were doing, who you were with you took the time and gave. 

There came a time in my life when your lovely Mam saved me and you and Jeff were there to protect me. In that moment I have never felt safer and more loved  - Thank you.

The years passes and you went from boy to man,  yet you still maintained that wonderful loving happy go lucky personality. Your smile sense of humour and fun but most of all your huge capacity for loving and caring for others grew with you.

In 2010 just before you became a Daddy for the first time to Mason was the last time I saw you. You were so excited and looking forward to being a Daddy. Mason arrived the absolute double of you in every way but things didn't go to plan and for a while you were tested and had to fight, and fight you did. I was so proud to hear how things turned around and you proved to everyone what a wonderful daddy you are. 

Your family grew with the addition of Mason and your Mam relished every moment of being a Gran enjoying the wonderful times you spent with each other together as a family making wonderful lifelong memories.

You met the lovely Chesea and became a couple and in February 3 became 4 and the beautiful Francesca arrived. Your golden haired little beauty- another image of you.

Neil I can't believe that your gone - that I'm not going to hear about what your up to, see your wonderful light up the room smile again. I know that those who you love who you left behind will take comfort from the love and respect held for you by so many people, in so many walks of life, of so many ages. You were one of a kind never to be replaced and NEVER FORGOTTEN.

Thank you Neil for being part of my life, you will always remain in my heart and thoughts. You continue to look after those who you love from up in heaven. I know you will keep them safe and will guide them through this terrible dark time through to the sunshine again. Rest in peace that we will always be there for your loved ones too. Until we meet again, always in my heart love Jane xx