As you all will know, we were all hit with the absolutely devastating news of sudden Barry’s passing on 29th April.

Words will never be fully able to describe just how much of an impact he made on all our lives, but we’ll try our best to do that now.

Barry was a gentle giant. He towered over most, but as soon as you seen that massive grin, you just knew you were in the presence of someone who has a heart of gold.

He was always the friend you needed him to be. Whether you needed a shoulder to cry on, some advice about love or life, a debate on how shocking Nick Woltemade has been, or just someone to vent to, he was always there for you, no matter what. He never said no. It wasn’t in his vocabulary. He would do anything for anyone and would bend over backwards if he had to.

He was a loving son and uncle to Lynda and Daniel, and a fierce and loyal friend to way too many people to name. You all know who you are.

He would protect you with the ‘Barry Shove’ if you needed it, or give you a massive bear hug if you need that too. He was just everything.

The best son, the best grandson, the best uncle and the best friend you could ever ask for.

We’re all so sad that he’s no longer with us and we’re never going to be able to see that grin in real life, hear that bellowing laugh, or have that one last bear hug!

It’s left a huge hole in a lot of peoples lives. What he meant to people was so much more than being a friend or family member. Like I mentioned at the beginning, it’s those things that words will never be able to describe.

I know everyone will have their own stories, memories and ways of remembering Baz, and that just exemplifies how many lives he touched.

Sadly, and the reason for this page, this devastating, tragic event has not only taken a mother’s only son and a nephew’s only uncle, it has also left a significant financial burden on his family. We all know that these times unfortunately come at an expense, and in unexpected circumstances, it can hit very hard.

We are asking those that are able to help towards the cost of Barry’s funeral, to make any donations they can, to allow his family the time, space and freedom to grieve their most beloved son, grandson and uncle, instead of worrying about making ends meet.

I can say with absolute certainty, it is what Barry would want. He loved his family with everything he had and to know we’re all here trying to look after them in his absence, will allow Baz to rest that little bit easier.