The 10th October 2011 is a very sad day, it is the day we suddenly lost our beautiful son Lewis aged just 23 years old. I knew then that our lives would never be the same again.

Lewis was our eldest son who in his words was ‘the golden child’, he was engaged to Sophie and they were making plans for their fantastic wedding. Lewis was not just a brother to Kirt but a good friend too and is very sadly missed. He leaves a huge void in all our lives and not a day goes by when we don’t think of him.

The ‘You Raise Me Up’ charity were recommended to help and support us and have been a tower of strength to the family in every way, financially and emotionally even though both Fraser and Jane had not long lost their beautiful daughter Megan. Their strength, help and support has been continually amazing and is still ongoing. We have become a unique group within the charity and both Brian’s workplace and mine have helped to raise funds and awareness to highlight the need for just such a charity. The charity to us feels very much part of our life now and we will endeavour to promote and help as much as we can in the future to help any other families who find themselves in the same situation of losing a child. It is such a complete devastation feeling that is difficult to comprehend but given people who have insight into how you feel at that time is very helpful and comforting.

Fraser and Jane have shown such compassion we are truly indebted to them and who are now true firm friends.

Brian and Yvonne Allan