Gareth was living with Craig when he became really ill. Both Craig and his girlfriend Rachael helped to support Gareth through this very difficult time. They were such special friends, even managing to have laughs and fun in such tragic circumstances. They were truly amazing. After his death Rachael wrote this... My partner Craig and Gaz had been friends for years before I met them. There were some good stories about those days like the time when Gaz had to make the big decision to stay on at college or get a job, a tale that's so typically Gaz I can pretty much see it for myself. Leaving college one day Gaz plonked his folder on the roof of his car, forgot it was there and as they sped away watched every bit of his college career fly all over the road. That was his decision made and so his time at college ended as he turned to Craig laughing and shrugging his shoulders. Gareth was very sharp witted with a dry sense of humour that often had us in stitches; he was also kind and would do anything for his friends. Some of his best phrases were 'Don't worry about it' and 'Cheers, thanks for that'-- and that is how he was,relaxed and appreciative. The last time I feel like I saw the real Gaz, my friend and the lovely guy I knew, was a week before he died when we went out walking and talked about the same random rubbish as ever, laughing at toilet humour and promising to go camping in the summer.When I looked at him halfway round Dovestone his cheeks were flushed and he was smiling -- I couldn't believe he was ill, as I teased him about how mean he was for not letting me hold Arthur's lead! That walk must have been like climbing a mountain to him. Gareth's bravery was inspirational. He made little complaint about the pain he was in and was unbelievably pragmatic about his cancer. Even when he went into Willow Wood he didn't complain. He was the most positive person I have ever met. During the last two weeks of Gareth's life it felt as though we were all on a toboggan run, everything normal around us hurtling past without being noticed, headed for heartache with no way of preventing what was to come. I felt constantly that I wanted to slam on the brakes just to stop and take everything in but cancer doesn't work that way. Before we knew what was happening he was gone. As time goes on sorrow is slowly giving way to fondness when I think of him and once again he makes us laugh and smile as he always did before. A million happy and funny memories are the gifts he left to lots of friends and family.