A fitting farewell to brave Rob
The funeral of firefighter Rob Wright from Wallsend who died six months after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.
FRIENDS and colleagues turned out on Tuesday to say their farewells to firefighter Rob Wright, who was laid to rest with full fire service honours after he died from leukaemia.
Rob, 39, died just weeks after bringing home his new twin sons. He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just three weeks before marrying wife Samantha, 26, in April.
The father-of-five fought the illness with the help of his devoted family but last month he was to receive the devastating news that the cancer was back and had spread to his nervous system.
He died at his home in Wallsend on October 29.
Firefighter Peter Hamil, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, was at one point Rob’s watch manager. He paid tribute to his friend.
Peter, 33, said: “He was an absolute star – a really good friend. One of the nicest blokes I have come across and one of the fittest blokes as well.
“And to lose him at 39, everyone was shocked.
“I am a father myself and I cannot imagine what his family must be going through.”
This week, hundreds of mourners were out to see Rob’s coffin placed on a turntable ladder, before being carried into Tynemouth Crematorium by his colleagues for an emotional service.
Peter added: “Rob was well thought of in the service and seeing his Blue Watch colleagues from North Tneside East Community Fire Station in North Shields carrying him into the crematorium was an emotional time.
“Many people were there to listen to the kind words said about him and all of our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
“If there was a way Rob wanted to go out, this was it, with everyone remembering the great moments in his life.”
Rob’s family are supporting the Bright Red charity, which is based at the Freeman Hospital, and the Anthony Nolan charity.
They would like readers to help save lives by signing up to the Anthony Nolan charity and registering to become a donor.
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Weather for Whitley Bay
Thursday 23 May 2013
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