Alan was just the best brother anyone could ever wish for. He was twelve years old when I was born. Family photos show him in the core of everything, beaming with smiles, happy and attentive to me as a baby. I have vivid childhood memories of Alan and Linda taking me out on various excursions, and adventures- the cinema (to see the very first Star Wars movie, and Flash Gordon), a pantomime, weekends away in their fantastic orange and white VW campervan. When I came over to “ The Mainland” as a young adult to study at University, Alan was always on hand to help and support, soothe my homesickness, and to drive me to train stations at strange times of the evening/ early morning to get back to University for the first lecture of the week. I used to love visiting Alan and Linda in Chester, it felt like a home from home. When I had my own family and two sons, Alan became the best uncle anyone could ever wish for. He was godfather to my eldest son- a role he took very seriously, never forgetting birthdays, and always so generous and kind. He would pop up in his beloved MG car on a sunny day for visits at the weekend, or over the summer holidays. He would arrange to take the boys out on various adventures- Go Karting, the cinema, a day at the races, and having subsidised their membership for Lancashire Cricket Club, days out watching cricket at Old Trafford, with the end of the day spent at a pub over a meal. My boys loved it! Alan has always brought light and laughter to my family. Time spent with Alan was always “great craic”. He would gently advise, and even up to the last days of his life, when his health was deteriorating and his energy was fading, he would give top tips for the races, and spend time reading personal statements for university applications, relentless in his support. I am very proud to have such a beacon as my brother, and we will miss him terribly. Events and get togethers will not be the same without him. We will hold him dear in our hearts and raise a glass to “Big Al”, beloved brother and uncle. Rest in Peace xxxx