Gary Spearman, who died on Easter Sunday, with partner Emily, and children Poppy, Jaydon and Toby. THE family of Gary Spearman, who died of skin cancer at just 37, have thanked the Isle of Wight community for the outpouring of love and tributes since his death on Easter Sunday. Gary, a dedicated community volunteer, leaves behind partner Emily Harrison and three young children, Jaydon, nine, Poppy, six, and Toby, two. He was only diagnosed with melanoma in September after suffering a seizure. His father Alan said: He was well loved by a lot of people so there s been a lot of heartbreak.
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Tributes Paid To Former Sandown And Shanklin Lifeboat Volunteer
By Iona Stewart-Richardson
Tributes are being paid to a former volunteer at Sandown and Shanklin Lifeboat.
Gary Spearman, from Ryde, lost his battle with cancer yesterday (Sunday).
To show their respect Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat will fly their flag at half-mast.
He has previously served with Ryde Inshore Rescue the British Red Cross and WightSAR.
On the final day of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, deputy chief fire officer Steve Apter appointed him as an honorary firefighter because Gary had always wanted to join the fire service.
A DEDICATED search and rescue volunteer has died just days after being made an honorary firefighter. Fire, lifeboat, coastguard and search teams across the Island are mourning the loss of Gary Spearman, who died yesterday (Easter Sunday) following a battle with cancer. As a young boy he yearned to become a firefighter, but was unable to. However, he threw his heart and soul into volunteering for the emergency services, serving with Ryde Inshore Rescue, WightSAR, and Sandown and Shanklin Independent Lifeboat, among others. On the final day of the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and knowing Mr Spearman was very poorly, deputy chief fire officer Steve Apter appointed him as an honorary firefighter.