Hi Ell,
As you know, I’m not one for sharing my feelings often, never mind doing it publicly. To be honest, I don't even know what to say. What is the right thing to say or feel when you lose a friend... a brother?
I am just so incredibly grateful we met all those years ago at Pete’s 12th birthday party when we went go-karting. I instantly knew you were going to be competition... healthy competition, of course 😅. You won that day, and I came a very close second, and we became inseparable from that moment on. The laughing fits we used to have watching Austin Powers at your place at Brookside will always be some of my absolute favorite memories.
As we grew older, life took us in different directions and we weren't always around each other all the time. But it didn't matter. We had the kind of friendship where no matter how much time had passed, we could pick up exactly where we left off. I always knew you had my back, and you knew I had yours. We were always there for each other, no matter what.
Your best quality was how much you loved helping others, and how fiercely you would protect your family and loved ones. I always really admired that about you. You looked out for everyone, Ell. I just wish you could have helped yourself as much as you helped others.
26 years of friendship. It wasn't nearly enough time, but I am so thankful for every single year of it. Rest easy, brother.
Amer Iqbal
26/05/2026
