How do you sum up a character such as Martin in a few words, with all those oddities and quirks!?

The first real memory I have of him is as one of the lads of the Tug of War team at Bell and Harp with hair of ‘liquid gold’. They were a funny looking bunch of lads at the best of times, and I think it’s fair to say I was probably a bit intimated by him at the outset – a fact probably not helped by his willingness to engage in ‘heated debate’ with anyone who might have disagreed with him on a particular issue of the night!

But I soon learnt that Martin was so much more than that and I am thankful that I got to see the true sides of kindness, honesty and humour as we got to know each other better.

The best times were had in the simplest of ways.

Whether out walking, running over mountains or moors or simply having a beer. We bounced off each other, with his quick wit first to shine and set the tone for good times ahead.

I used to worry about how to refer to Martin as we never really settled on a label for our relationship. He was never a step-dad – that’s too impersonal for someone who has been such a central figure to life over the past 25 years or so. He was more than my mum’s partner, but he wasn’t my Dad and we both respected it wasn’t right to suggest he was.

The best thing I can say though is that we got to a point where the label didn’t matter one bit. He was my mate, and a very good one at that and it was a friendship that got stronger and stronger.

He inspired through actions, rather than words and I can’t thank him enough for his kindness and support he has shown to me and my family.

He was a true gem; missed forever but remembered every day.

Rob