The amazing ‘Spike’ - so privileged to have known him and to have been able to have called him my friend.

When I moved to Forest Gate, he really went out of his way to welcome me into the community. His warmth had no limit, and his sense of humour I adored.

Not many people can make me smile instantly when im in a bad mood, but Spike could. Usually with one word or profound sentence.

He also took time and with great patience, taught me how to play bass guitar, and gave my the confidence to play at mine and Sarah’s wedding, in the ‘band’ alongside me, where he also recorded a version of ‘Right Here Waiting’ for Sarah to walk down the aisle to.

i was deeply honoured and privileged to share the stage with Spike to perform the closing number at ‘Melstock’.

What a lovely man who I will never forget. He made me smile, he made me confident, he made me think, he made my laugh, he made me breakfast (even if i didnt want one!), he made me fit in, he made me welcome. He made me want to be like him…