I still remember the first day I arrived at Hayes Manor which was a couple of months after all the other kids had started term and so Mr Firbank put me with a chap named Bhogal to show me around and answer any queries that I might have. However by the end of that first day and no disrespect to Hardip I had found a kindred spirit in young boy who like me was a bit more of a tendency to push the boundaries. So what was initially a daunting day actually turned out to be a dandy one as me and this young boy were to go on and share some of the best memories and experiences I had growing up; helping change the landscape of Asian Hayes forever and getting into the odd piece of bother every now and again. It is with great sadness that our extremely close friendship was to only last the best part of 7 and wasn't destined to continue into our adult lives as we parted company after college over a senseless set of circumstances. He may have done some things that he shouldn't have but I definitely did and said some things that I shouldn't have; but I was young and like most others made a few mistakes growing up; however I never bore any ill will and with regards to our friendship was always of the thinking "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". However it was one of those things that I didn't want to live with and am so glad that we had a chance to bury the hatchet even though a long time had elapsed when I eventually decided to overcome my stubbornness and make contact with him about 2 years ago... I was over the moon to see how he too had grown out of Hayes' Kitchen and made success of his life; looking happy and working hard supporting his wife and his two beautiful children. Knowing this made the news I received back in early July last year even more shocking. I was always thinking about a school reunion as in June 2014 it will be officially 20 years since we finished our GCSEs and were getting ready for the lofty heights of college, I was really looking forward to meeting up with the old crew but these thoughts feel completely hollow now that one of the most important people during my school life will not be around because once life has dealt a happy household a devastating blow and reminded us just how cruel it can be; my thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family especially his wife and two young children at this terrible time. One of the most caring and loyal hearts passed from a genetic ailment known as Arrythmogenic cardiomyopathy which gave him no chance of survival; I pray that he didn't suffer and went on his journey in peace as that was the least his generous and selfless soul deserved. I guess some might think it's strange that I feel this way especially we haven't even shared a beer for the best part of 18 years but whilst I will cherish the memories forever it is with an extremely heavy sadness that I'm going to miss the boy, the laughs, the conversations and most of all the presence in this world of a true friend... "RIP GIBBS, much love brother. It was an honour sharing my childhood with you!!" - Sukh