Shropshire Star

'My best friend forever': Wife's tribute after Telford dad dies aged 41

The wife of a man who has died at the age of 41 after fighting cancer for almost two years today paid tribute to her husband, describing him as her "best friend forever".

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Maria Timberlake-Evans said her life with partner Andre had been "full of beauty, dreams and unforgettable moments".

Mr Timberlake-Evans was given between nine and 12 months to live after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

But his wife said his "optimistic outlook and sheer determination" meant he defied doctors' forecasts and lived for almost double that before passing away peacefully at Morris Care Centre in Telford.

He and Maria, 33, then his partner of 12 years, brought their wedding forward, fearing they would only see one anniversary. But they celebrated their second last year.

Not long after their wedding the couple discovered Mrs Timberlake-Evans was pregnant, and despite concerns that Gracie had been conceived while her father was undergoing cancer treatment, she was born healthy in June 2014.

Andre Timberlake-Evans with daughter Gracie

Mr Timberlake-Evans, of Arleston, Telford, had been determined to see her born but got to see much more, as Gracie is now 18 months old and walking and talking at her home with brother Max, 14, her and the family's cocker spaniel Genghis.

Mrs Timberlake-Evans said she still could not believe the love of her life had gone.

"I had known him all my adult life," she said. "The years we spent together have been full of beauty, dreams and unforgettable moments.

"We found in each other true love, our best friend and a deep and natural affinity.

"Our plans of a life seeing our beautiful children grow and for us to live out our dreams has been cut short, I am so angry for that. He should be here with us all. We all love him so very much. He was absolute positivity, seeing the light in all things.

"Every day we laughed so hard, always bringing a smile to even the darkest of days.

"There are no words to express how much we will miss him."

Mrs Timberlake-Evans said she was also grateful and humbled by the messages of kindness and support from family and friends throughout her husband's illness.

She said the support had given her and her husband great strength through such a difficult time.

She said: "I would like to thank all our gorgeous friends and family for all the lovely messages, help and kindness throughout Andre's illness.

"It really is so overwhelming the response to what has happened. How many people Andre's story has touched, how fondly Andre was thought of by all his friends and how much he was loved.

"I would like to thank Morris care centre and all the lovely care team. They all really showed their loving kindness towards Andre, which he expressed he was always so very grateful for.

"Myself, Max and Gracie cannot thank them enough."

Mr Timberlake-Evans died on January 26. His funeral service will be at Telford Crematorium on Thursday at 3pm.

The family have asked for family flowers only at the funeral. A collection will go to The Brain Tumour Charity.

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