Phillip Baker, 15, was diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago, but amazed friends and family with his strength of character and sense of humour throughout his illness.

Phil, who died peacefully at home, not only helped to plan his own funeral and write this obituary, but organised a big farewell party while he was well enough to enjoy it.

And while Phil was coming to terms with his illness, he also had to cope with the death of his mother, Chris, in December.

Amid their own grief, Phil's father Mark and twin brother Andy have supported him through the last few months, but say they have taken their lead from Phil.

Mark wishes anyone else facing bad times could have seen how positive and uncomplaining Phil had always been.

Phil originally planned the farewell party for after his funeral, but soon realised he didn't want to miss out, so brought it forward so he could be there.

Phil described the night at the Railway Club in Hillmorton Road in April as 'quality' and enjoyed all the female attention!

He wanted his funeral at St. George's Church in St. John's Avenue today (Thursday) at 11.30am to be a celebration of his life and he has asked for everyone to wear football tops.

His coffin will be decorated with Aston Villa football club emblems and will be brought in to the football song 'Vindaloo'.

The Ashlawn School pupil was well known in the town as a very good all round athlete.

He represented Rugby Swimming Club helping them to promotion to Division One in 2002 and won backstroke three years running in the junior area schools gala.

He was also a fine athlete, representing Rugby and Northampton Athletic club many times.

Best known for his ability at distance running, his favourite event being 800m, he was always willing to have a go at anything to help the team including long jump, shot-putt and hurdles.

He loved cross country and always qualified for the county trials where he usually ended up as the best athlete from Rugby at his age group.

Phil was probably best known for his football and, with his twin brother Andy in the same team, they managed to win the first division of the Leicester league twice before dominating the Coventry minor league for three years.

Only a change of management put a stop to this run but it still didn't stop them winning many summer tournaments when playing together.

In his final season before illness struck he was voted both players' player and manager's player.

Football was his passion and he enjoyed meeting top players, twice at his beloved Aston Villa and more recently at Coventry. He also met the whole England team at their training ground before they left for the World Cup last summer.


Prince William was also visiting and spent a long time chatting to Phil and his family.

Playing football last August Phil broke his arm, landing badly after an overhead kick.

But, showing his typical toughness, he still chased after the ball and retrieved it from under a car, despite dripping blood everywhere.

And he happily showed off the massive scar from his subsequent operations, telling everyone it was a shark bite!

Full of admiration, Phil's father Mark said: "What really shone through though, however, was Phil's sense of humour and that was reflected in the many cards he received at his farewell party. Every one said that is what they would miss most about Phil.

"It was this ability to look on the bright side of life that enabled him to make the best of the final two illness-struck years of his life when most people would have given up.

"At every stage of his illness I would talk to his doctors about what Phil had been up to since the last time he had seen them and each time I would see a look of amazement in their eyes as to how much he was able to do.

"Without realising it Phil has left a legacy that everyone who knew him will be able to draw strength in times of trouble having seen how he never gave up and made the best out of his condition at all times."

Instead of sending flowers, Phil had asked for people to make donations to charity instead.

For details please contact EJ Brewer & son, Independent Family Funeral Directors, 41 Park Road, Rugby, CV21 2QU on (01788) 544522.

Phil's funeral is today (Thursday) at 11.30am at St. George's Church.
Football shirts preferred to be worn at his request.

To see the previous story on Phil, click here.