Relatives of much-loved young Shropshire man Guy 'overwhelmed' by people's support
Relatives of a popular young Shropshire man who died suddenly say they have been "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of kindness and support shown by the community in the days following his death.
Guy Evans, 25, from St Martins, near Oswestry, died last Saturday night.
His death has shocked members of the community, who knew Guy best as a regular at The Keys in St Martins and pubs in Oswestry.
His parents Clifford and Helen Evans said the community's reaction to their son's death was testament to the character he was.
Mrs Evans said: "Guy was a big character, known and loved by everyone – and we always knew that but more so than ever now – and for that we'd like to thank everyone because it's given us as a family some comfort at this difficult time.
"We'd like to thank everyone for the cards, the phone calls, the flowers, for everything, it really means a lot to us.
"Thanks must go to the travelling community in the area because they've been wonderful, they can't do enough for us. They've been so respectful. They thought the world of Guy."
Mrs Evans also said a special thanks must go to The Keys and the Smout family who were like Guy's "second family".
A 24-hour poolathon was also getting under way yesterday in memory of Guy at The Keys, organised by one of his closest friends, Chris Smout.
Guy's love of the game earned him his nickname 'Sharky' because friends said that he was a "pool shark".
Mr Smout was due to play 24 hours of consecutive pool against 24 different people.
Guy's family confirmed his funeral will take place on October 25 at 2pm, at St Martins Parish Church.
The family welcomes any flowers or donations to Alder Hey Children's Hospital and the air ambulance.
Earlier this week, Mrs Evans paid a moving tribute to her son, who had dwarfism. She said he lived his life to the fullest – despite his condition.
"Guy didn't let his disability stop him.
"He always said he wouldn't want to be any other way because of the fun he had," she said.
"Guy was only small but he had the confidence of a six-foot-something man.
"He was always the life and soul of the party with so many friends, everyone loved Guy and he loved them, he never had a bad word to say about anybody."
