'James lived in hope and never fear'

They have described the enormous positivity and strength of the former Greendown Community School student, who made everyone around him happy.

Even up until his death last Wednesday in Germany with his close family by his side — mother Val, brother Phil, sister-in-law Kayleigh, sister Katrina, girlfriend Amber and friend Jamie, — he didn’t let the disease get the best of him and was determined to never give up.

Although they are struggling to come to terms with his death, they have been remembering many cherished memories.

“He fought a long fight and it was hard-going, but you would never know it,” said Val, adding that James was much like his late father Anthony in both looks and attitude.

“He always lived for the moment, it was just his way. He had an aura about him and he would always make friends.

“He did a lot in his life for 26 years, a lot more than people do in a lifetime, and I’m glad he did so much."

Val added: “He didn’t fear dying and he wanted to live and had lots of plans for lots of things. We didn’t expect him to go that night, we knew things weren’t good but he was very stable.

“He never moaned or complained and he was just an inspiration to all of us, he kept us positive and we kept him positive.”

James, who was known for his infectious laugh, travelled the world, making friends wherever he went and enjoyed socialising with his friends at clubs and pubs in Old Town.

The hundreds who donated towards his treatment are testament to his popularity and the impact he had on others.

The Westlea resident thought the appeal might at most reach £4,000, so he was overwhelmed to see the figure reach £30,000.

“James was forever grateful,” said his brother Phil.

“He put aside an hour a day in the evening to reply to everyone because he was just so overwhelmed.

“It made him happy and he had a massive amount of fight in him and he was never going to give up.

“His body lost the battle but his mind, spirit and attitude never did. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him and took it all in his stride.

“He lived every second of his life with a smile on his face, in my eyes he won.

“We only ever talked about funny things, good memories, things to be grateful for and what we were looking forward to.”

Val added: “I don’t even know how to thank people. I knew he was a popular lad, I always had loads of people coming through the door but the momentum and support of the appeal was just so overwhelming.

“I know a lot of his friends are struggling, we certainly are, and we will do whatever we can to invite them round and be there for them. It’s what James would want.”

The family are now looking into how they can use that money to make a difference to the lives of cancer patients and their families. Phil is also urging people to explore other options when it comes to treatments.

Phil said: “Me and James talked a lot about it and we feel people need to know there are other options out there and don’t take no for an answer.”

Sister Katrina has described James as the “life and soul of any room.”

She said: “You would walk into a room and everyone would gravitate to him straight away he was the best story-teller. You could tell the exact same story but when James told it people were in hysterics.”

Girlfriend Amber added: “Every day was an adventure with him.”

Meanwhile sister-in-law Kayleigh said: “He wasn’t just a brother-in-law he was more than that to me.

“I admire his strength, courage and fight, he would light up any room he walked into, I am so proud of him.”

• The family are inviting all who knew James to celebrate his life at his funeral on Friday, October 28 at All Saints’ Church, in Lydiard Millicent, from 12.30pm.
• It will be followed by a service at Kingsdown Crematorium at 2.15pm and a wake afterwards at the Woodlands Edge.

The family have requested that for the service it is family flowers only but if anyone wants to make a contribution via gofundme.com/bakemanalternative  the family will donate the money to their chosen cause.

People have been offering to help contribute to the funeral costs but, although very thankful, the family will cover the cost.