Neil was that special sort of person who left everyone he met with a smile on their face and a skip in their step. He was an inspiration to many who knew him with a ready wit and deep loyalty to his friends. When he died on 4 August many people were unable to comprehend that he had been taken so young and at a time when he was on top form. Dusan his partner, his family and friends grieve his passing but also know that Neil would have wanted us to celebrate his fabulous life with energy and joy.

We are saying farewell to Neil on Friday 24 August at 10:45 at Honor Oak Crematorium in Brockley followed by refreshments at the Old Salt Quay pub in Rotherhithe. From 15:00, we'll be celebrating Neil's life at the Pulse (XXL) Club (http://pulseclub.co.uk/) beneath Blackfriars Bridge. Please contact Alex Vince (07734 812804), Mike Pettet (07930 001334) or Mark Parker (07956 370676) for more details. 

Neil was always aware of the hardship for those who do not have a good start in life. He was particularly conscious of the way in which young lesbian and gay people are often placed in untenable situations when they come out. Neil's family has always been immensely supportive of him and gave him the best possible start yet he was only too aware how lucky that made him. During his life, Neil gave to the Albert Kennedy Trust to express this and so we ask his friends and family to do the same to remember the gift he was to us.

Since 1989, the Albert Kennedy Trust has supported young LGBT 16-25 year olds who are made homeless or living in a hostile environment. They aim to meet the individual needs of each young person to ensure they get back on track in life. Please give generously to help the Trust move into it's newest project, the Purple Door Project the first safe house for LGBT young people.

More details of the Trust's work at www.akt.org.uk