im sitting here at this time angry at the world and this disease that took one of the best friends i ever had. I first met Chez, in the hop pole. I remember he was wearing box cords, and a lacoste tee shirt. Hair immaculate and a devlish sense of humor. Me, i was a "rocker", long hair, white tee shirt and flared jeans. He always had his best mate and side kick Kerz with him, they were like the Ant and Dec of the 80's. I had just come out of a serious relationship and feeling shit. Rourkey was the one who decided to get me out there again. I remember Chezs first words to me. Were "whats with the long hair and axe head all about" i didnt know what to say to him but laugh. Somehow some months later after having my haircut, we ended up talking about a holiday to Magaluf. I was earning £28 a week and struggling, whilst he was earning over a £100 and not. Anyway, we went to Manchester for holiday gear as you did then and i remember him taking me to a shop where i spent £32 on an ellese shirt. Why, because he talked me into it. The holiday itself was "interesting' it was the time when the Spanish boys were attacking English lads who took the beer tour to their land. However, it wasnt that, which got us into trouble. Although we never let that stop us entering their clubs. It was when Cartledge turned up for the 2nd week with no booking. I remember Chez and Kerz helping Mark scale the walls into their room. When the Police came searching, they hid him in a cupboard the size of a shoe box. I looked at that pucture that was posted of the lads on tour and it brought back some fantastic memories. From falling asleep, pissed on the beach, to hiding fully clothed in a hotel swimming pool till the lads who were chasing us had gone. The one thing it did remind me of was the laughing, the banter, the sense of family and all being there for one another. Looking out for each other and there were no phones. No distractions just a bunch of young lads and Eddie Farrington (sorry Eddie) having a boys holiday and a great time. (Especially the full english we had every morning). Im sure i could spend all day on here writing of the memories we had, but maybe its time to let him rest now. He may have been taken well before his time, but be happy to know he touched so many peoples hearts and once you knew him (and he liked you). Because if he didnt, well maybe thats a story for another time. Once he let you in, you knew it was for life. Its upsetting how we all think we'll meet again and make arrangements like yeah, "ill call you or we must meet for a pint" thinking we have all the time in the world. 20 years have passed since i last spoke to him and why? Life, we all get consumed in the here and now we forget what was important to us. Who made us laugh, who were we close to, what happened to the boys in that photo? Lifes so fragile and passes so quick. So RIP mate and go raise some mayhem in the afterlife. You wont be forgotten down here. Thats a guarantee. Sleep well mate, heres hoping we get to meet again. Xx