Christopher was born 29 years ago weighing 5lb 5oz and grew into a 6ft 2in strapping, gentle giant.

He would always call himself ‘Clifford’ despite being given many other names - CJ, wee fella, big fella, old boy, old chap, stinker, smiler, monkey weasel.

Christopher suffered from severe epilepsy for most of his life but despite the many seizures and injuries he suffered, he was never miserable or moody and we could always get a smile out of him no matter how rotten he must have felt.

He was a happy, gentle and loving boy who grew into a handsome young man with a unique personality that shone brightly throughout his life.

Christopher made us laugh, he made us cry and at times he caused us stress beyond measure … like the two times when he went AWOL. The first time, he disappeared from the back garden only to be found in a neighbours house, having wandered into their kitchen and sat happily in front of their washing machine watching the washing go round, completely unaware of the mayhem he was causing.

The second time he went AWOL was when he decided to follow his Mum to the local hospital, crossing several busy roads on the way, still wearing his slippers. He was eventually stopped by the police and handcuffed, feeling extremely miffed that his mission had failed!

Christopher also unknowingly embarrassed us on many occasions .. like the time he had a pee in a display toilet in Homebase (he was so pleased with himself!) …or the time he got into one of the beds in a furniture store and wouldn't get out … or the time he stripped off in the middle of a restaurant in Birmingham Airport, presenting his bare bottom to the people on the next table - he had no inhibitions that boy!

Christopher loved travelling whether it was on a bus, train, boat or plane and we travelled many miles to many destinations together, but his favourite mode of transport was the car.

Whether the trip was short or long we always got a running commentary throughout the journey. He would tell us whenever he spotted a VW, Audi or car transporter lorry go by, we even got the number plates read to us if he was in the mood. On motorway trips he always said 'bridge' every … single … time we drove under one. We couldn't tell you how many bridges there are on the M40 … but there’s a lot!!

One of Christopher's great pleasures were his model cars and over the years his collection (and the cars) grew bigger and bigger. He loved every one of them and every car had to have a little Lego man inside.

Every time we went to the car wash the model cars had to come too. We had to line up about 30 cars alongside the brushes so they would all get a wash! And there was no rushing that boy … each car then had to be closely inspected for ‘wetness’ before it could be put back into the bag!

Endless times we’ve had to apologise to the people in the cars behind who were waiting to use the car wash after us!

The model cars - plus men - travelled with him wherever he went. Packing them all into his large suitcase was a real skill, but trying to carry the case afterwards was an agonising, muscle tearing, back breaking achievement and a feat that went totally unnoticed by the youngest, tallest, fittest and strongest of the three of us.

Some of Christopher’s best times with us were spent at our house in Spain. We spent many happy, hot days in the swimming pool. It was one of the few times when Christopher would take off his beloved cap! His knitted Postman Pat - also known as Mussass, came swimming too. Dear Mussass had to spend his days being water bombed and getting soaking wet, his poor woollen body became stretched and shapeless beyond return! Christopher loved it, Mussass did not!

Christopher especially enjoyed the post-pool refreshments when he would sit on the terrace with us and have a cold ginger beer and a good helping of peanuts.

And there's the hours and hours that we all had to watch Postman Pat and Thomas the Tank engine videos. Christopher never tired of watching the same stories over and over and over again! We will forever sing a long to Thomas, Percy, Toby, Terence the Tractor and Bertie Bus as they go chuff, chuff, chuffing along.

Christopher spent a happy 18 months living at Mayfield Road in Sutton. We were so proud of him settling very quickly into his life there. He was a popular lad making sure he set out his rules and regulations!

He captured the hearts of many staff there but we’re sure he drove them to distraction at times - having to follow him around the kitchen countless times while he ransacked the cupboards, or stand out in the rain and freezing cold with him while he lined up his cars on the grass, or drag him round and round the garden as part of his exercise regime!

Christopher really enjoyed being outdoors, whatever the weather. He loved to walk on the grass, any grass. It didn't matter whether it was a grass verge, a lawn, a field or a tiny bit of turf, he always made a beeline for it. Even if it meant running across a busy road and dodging cars, he just had to get on that grass!

Action Man, Christopher’s constant friend and companion also known as ‘Man’. Man was a fundamental part of our family. He ate, drank, washed, bathed, swam, slept and travelled with us wherever we went. We had plenty of ‘panic station’ moments when Man was left in a shop or in a public toilet but Man is well trained and kept himself safe until he was found!

Even today, Man is watching over his friend and keeping guard.

Apart from with Man, Christopher wouldn't share a single chocolate, peanut, drink, chip or crisp even if you asked, begged and pleaded with him, but he would willingly share his big, happy smiles, his funny little kisses, his gentle hugs and his hands to hold.

Christopher was our big lad with a big heart who would proudly doff his cap to show off his haircuts to anyone who would rub his head!

He was innocent, funny and charming and will be forever young.

His words will always be our words, a drink will always be a ‘gink’, chocolate will always be ‘collot’, wheelchair will always be a ‘willychair’, Postman Pat will always be ‘Mussass’ and a cuddle will always be a 'cudda'.

We fought for him and we fought with him to give him the best life we could. We are blessed to have known him, to have cared for him and to have loved him unconditionally. His light shines brightly in our hearts and the many memories of our boy live on.

Close your eyes and go to sleep old fella … we got ya.