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It's with great sadness that we have to inform you that our friend, Andrew Armstrong, passed away in France on Sunday 28th October 2008. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
We would like you to use this page to share your memories of Andrew. Please e-mail them to either Sarah, Brian or Katy and they will be included as soon as possible.
Message from Andrew's Family
Thank you for Andrew's Page. It has been lovely reading everyone's memories of him, and how he seemed to be well loved by everyone he met. We still can't accept what has happened, I don't think we ever will. There's such a large hole in our lives now that can never be filled.
Could I ask if you have any photo's of Andrew if you could please e mail them to me as we are building up an album of him.
Can you thank everyone in the Young Ones and Gateway Wheelers for their friendship, he really enjoyed his time with you all. He always enjoyed your meetings at Bullion Hall, feeling very important with his papers and files!!!
Thank you all so much
Jennifer Jim and LauraEulogy read at Andrew's funeral by his Aunty
Andrew was very special to us.
He was a big shining star in our family – his bright smile and infectious chuckle lit up the whole room and we loved him very much.
Andrew achieved so much in his short life – lots more than most people achieve in 60 years. At Harelaw school he was given the support he needed by the dedicated team of staff and he excelled at his studies. The highlight of his year was the trip to France when he enjoyed looking after the younger children. He became a confident, independent and responsible young man with a great interest in many things.
Andrew attended Houghhall college where he enjoyed studying computing, gardening, art and looking after a variety of animals. He loved the cookery lessons but sometimes not all of his efforts made it home for tea – it was a long hungry trip home. He then went on to New College last year to continue his studies.
Andrew loved going to the many events organised by the Downs Group, Durham Area Disabled Group and The Young Ones – especially the football and the cycling weekends where he won many medals. He enjoyed lots of weekends away with them especially going to Bendrigg Lodge in Cumbria.
Louise and Stewart were proud to have Andrew as an Usher at their wedding.
He was a lovable and very loving person – he was helpful, caring, kind and considerate. He was so¬ lucky to have the very best parents and sister in the world who loved him so much. Andrew was the centre of their world for nearly 25 years and everything they did always put his interests first.
He loved helping his Dad with many things including the gardening. He went cycling with his Mam and enjoyed assisting everyone around the house. When they were busy he liked to surprise them with tea and biscuits and often prepared dinner.
He was so proud of his sister Laura when she graduated from University last year and he said it was the best day of his life when she returned from a year working and travelling in Australia and the Far East.
Staying at the family caravan in France gave Andrew the opportunity to have more freedom and independence. He was very popular and made many friends there – enjoying their company during the sporting events and evening entertainments. He was always first on the dance floor when the music started.
Andrew had a very happy life full of new adventures and interesting activities. We would like to thank Jennifer, Jim and Laura for making it all possible - and we send them all our love and hope they can soon begin to enjoy all their happy memories with Andrew.
We first met Andrew when he came to help with the garden at the Admiralty Site, Teesside. He was a free spirit with a heart of gold who would have a go at anything, bringing a smile to our faces everytime we saw him. The cycles always attracted him and we think he must have had a go on all of them. He'll be missed by all of us.
Ted & Katy Sunley x
Andrew was a very kind young man who touched the life of everyone he met. Andrew always had time for people and was always asking if you and your family are OK. Andrew was a real asset to Gateway Wheelers and will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace Andrew.
Brian, Karen, Lucy and Katie
Thinking of Andrew - We will always remember your smiling face. God Bless.
From Lucy, Sally, Chris and Doreen Bridson. xxx
The first time I really got to know Andrew was the on day we rode on the Capitan Duo from Gateshead Stadium to the Millennium Bridge and back. He was keen, he pedalled well - and he was fun! I distinctly remember him telling Brian to 'stick his camera where the sun doesn't shine'! Even Brian had to join in the laughter, so infectious was Andrew's sense of fun.
I got to know Andrew better the following year on my first York trip. Taken aback by his feats of strength and suppleness, I began to call him Strongarm. It seemed appropriate, and he seemed to like it. The name stuck, and others took it up. Henceforth I would look out for our Strongarm at every meeting, for his kindly, friendly manner and his ready laughter. He brought so much to us; and though he's gone, I know we'll remember him with real appreciation.Kevin Reah
Andrew was a bright joyfull person and will be sorely missed by all our family. Our thoughts go out to his family.
Susan, Trevor and Paul Davies
We will always remember Andrew’s happy, smiley face. When you met him he always asked how you were, what you had been doing and watching on the television, especially Emmerdale and Coronation Street. It’s been a privilege to know Andrew over the last few years and he will be very sadly missed.
Love from Carol, Andrew & Philip
The most importand point one must recall about Andrew is he was always willing to help others and of course his sense of humour. He will be missed at Gateway Wheelers.
Steve Nixon a friend of Andrew.
Gateway Wheelers
Bullion Hall, Bullion Lane, Chester le Street, Co. Durham, DH2 2ES
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