When my eldest son Edward started school at St Bede we were fortunate that he quickly made friends with James and through their friendship we got to know Denise and Andy.  It was clear they are a lovely family and we have remained friends ever since - our sons are now 22!  Denise and I have met regularly for walks and cuppas over the years, and I have had the pleasure of visiting Andy at home with Denise as well as regularly bumping into him around Hyde.  I've always enjoyed our chats.

One vivid memory I have of Andy happened a few Summers ago. I'd been telling Andy how my youngest son and I had been litter picking in the Winnall Moors Nature reserve but we were frustrated that some of the rubbish was floating in the river unreachable from land.  As I strolled around the park one day and down towards the canoe club I heard someone shout my name.  I turned round to find Andy waving at me from his canoe.  He had collected various bottles and wrappers from the river - the very items that had escaped our litter picker!  Having unloaded one bag of rubbish onto land for me to dispose of, Andy paddled further down the river to find some more litter.  Such a kind and thoughtful thing to do.  Andy no doubt saved a creature's life that day.  

Andy was one of a kind - he had a wry sense of humour and was a brilliant listener.  

I will miss him.

Hazel Agombar