Philip David Booth

Our precious Son Philip David Booth
who fell peaceably to sleep at his home in Preston Lancs, on 14th January 2007, Age 23 years old.
Loving son of Trevor & Elizabeth, Brother to Tracey and uncle to Emilee & Hannah and partner to Mikey xx

Loved & missed by all who knew him, always the entertainer who lit up the room whenever he walked in, especially with his special renditions of the songs out of the musicals Annie & Sound of Music, a happy memory that will live on in our hearts & minds forever. Philip loved his music and was a brilliant dancer, I can still see him in my mind dancing to he favorite rave tracks in our front room and having a laugh with all his friends as he tried to get them to join him.

Our lives have been left with a big empty hole which can never be filled, he was one in a million, a Prince among Men! (One of Philips favourite sayings) with a kind heart and big personality, we are proud he chose us to be his parents even for such a short time.
Memories of Philip will always remain with us, the good memories for us will always crowd out the not so good ones.
We shall love and miss him for the rest of our lives.

To our Son Philip, our love for you will never die It will grow and grow until we meet again in heaven. You will live on in our hearts and memories and in everything we do. No one will forget Philip Booth that I promise you.
So rest now our darling son, pain can no longer hurt you and our love will always be with you.
You will always be our little lad, love you so so very much, your heartbroken Mum & Dad XXXXXXXXXX


Hi Philip,
This is the story I gave you to read before you fell to sleep. I wrote it to show you how much we cared and to maybe help you fight to get your life back together, which I know you tried so hard to do. Sadly, I have had to re-write it now, you said that you thought it was good but unfortunately I no longer have you here to correct my spelling and grammar!! so I thought I would post it on here for you to read. Hope you don't mind, but I know you always helped other people, even though you had bigger troubles of your own, that was just you! So if this helps stop other young people from following the same fateful path as you, I'm sure you would approve.
Love you always. Dad XXX

The Pain of Loving Children.

We all feel pain from time to time, whether that be physical or emotional, each in its own way can often destroy lives, not just of the person concerned, but also the lives of people around them, no more so than when it involves your children.

As parents we want nothing more than our children to grow up and have a happy and successful life but often things don't go to plan and life has this nasty habit of biting you in the Ar**, just when you least expect it.
My son started life just as any typical loving child, yes of course we had the normal teenage problems as all parents do, he did well at School and went off to university. Little did we know at that point, the happy go lucky lad we left in the halls of residence that day in September 2002 would four years later be addicted Alcohol & prescription drugs and no longer the fun loving happy go lucky lad he ones was.

There are many reasons as to why he ended up in this state, but life for him at University was a big party, like most students out drinking most nights and days, but before he knew it he was on a big hook of addiction and could not get off.

We as parents, as have many parents in the same position, have often blamed ourselves, where have we gone wrong? what could we have done to have stopped him doing this to himself? but in reality there is nothing we could of done, it was his decision to drink the alcohol, he always thought he was in control but now he cant stop.
As much has he tried to give up the drink the addiction was always bigger. He has been crying out for help for so many years but it seems the Government does not want to know, they just want to bury their heads in the sand and pretend that excessive drinking amongst young people is not a problem. yes, they will take all the taxes from the massive sales of alcohol, yes, they will let the breweries who target these young kids with ever cheap booze and Alcopops make their massive profits, but when it comes to clearing up the mess they have helped to create, none of them want to know.

There are a few good very organizations mainly run buy charities that do their best to help, but like one of the alcohol councillors told me, "its like putting a sticking plaster on an open wound when what it needs is stitching to stop the bleeding."

My son has no life, his life is just the next drink or the next prescription drug to try and control the drink. The problem is, he’s still my son, it could be so much easier to walk away, let him get on with killing himself which is precisely what could happen if he carries on like he is. But no matter how hard he tries I know he can’t beat this evil torment on his own. He needs help now, but after two years we are still waiting in a long line for the treatment he so desperately needs.
You cant just give up on your child when things start to go wrong. He often says, "dad, I know your ashamed of me," but, I’m not ashamed, disappointed, yes, but not for me, for him. He is still a young man with so much to give. Given the right help he could still have a good successful life ahead he just needs to learn to do it without the drugs and the alcohol.

This is where I would of liked to of ended this story but on 14th January 2007 our world fell apart when our precious son finally lost he fight against these demons in his head and past away just 23 years old. Our life will never be the same again. We have lost one of the most precious gifts god could give. Yes I am angry, Yes I am bitter, but nothing will bring him back and my family has lost a shining light who's memory will live on in our hearts forever.
I have thought long and hard about writing this, but if this makes one young person think twice before going on that binge drink or taking that drug, or make the politicians and the breweries take more responsibility to help those who have succumbed to this "illness" which is fast becoming one of the biggest problems that faces society and young people today, it will have been worthwhile.

Like I said at the beginning, we all feel pain from time to time, its how we deal with pain that matters. I don’t know what the future now holds, I hope and prey the pain in our broken hearts will get less, and we can start to put our shattered lives back together. Only someone who has lost a child or someone young could ever know the torment and pain we are now feeling. I know he loved us, and knowingly would of never of put his family through this hell. He was a larger than life character who just went down the wrong path in life, as many have before him. My son has now paid the ultimate price, its those who are left behind that suffer a life sentence of grief.
I always remember that old saying, children give you arm ache when their young and heartache when their older, but, that’s just the pain of loving children. And love him we will forever more. XXX


This is the heart felt speech that Philip's best friends, Nicola and Gabby read out at Philip's celebration of life. We will be forever grateful for the kind words and memories about Philip that made us laugh & cry and made it a special day and celebration of our special son’s Life. Philip would of been so proud of you both.
Many thanks
Trevor, Liz and Tracey
XXXX

In memory of our dear friend
Philip David Booth.

We have been given the privilege today to speak about our very dear friend, Philip, and to share some very special memories.

Nicola.

Philip was my best friend since we were both 3 years old, and growing up with him gave me some of the most happiest memories that will stay with me forever. Philip was such a happy outgoing person who made everyone laugh and smile, and he had such a unique personality that nobody could forget.
As Children, we would often get into mischief on our street, and one particular time that we would always laugh about was when we were about 8 and we stole some freshly grown flowers from the neighbour’s garden, and gave them to our mums to put into their windows, only for them to get a knock on their door from some angry neighbours! I remember as kids how we would always play ‘rounders’ and ‘hide and seek’ on the street with our friends – Philip’s sister Tracey, my sister Clair, Melanie, Jonathan and Richard, and just spent hours outside playing together.
Philip’s humour was like no-one else’s, and he would have people crying with laughter. He had nicknames for almost everyone, and would be forever making up stupid names to call people. He was just so much fun. If ever I was down, I would go straight round to Philip’s because everything seemed so much better when I was with him, and soon we would be chuckling away together.
He was so caring and sensitive, especially towards his family. He loved Liz, Trevor and Tracey so much, and came from such a happy and loving home. This love and happiness stayed with him, and he shared it with everyone. He would always come in home after school and tidy the house, take their dog, Billy for a walk, and at teatime he would be sat round the table laughing and joking with the family.
Philip had such a passion for music and films, and had a huge collection of both. There were many occasions where we could be found dancing around in his living room to his Cd's. Philip would make up stupid dances which would have us all collapse on the settee laughing. He could always be heard repeating lines from his favourite shows, such as ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ and sketches from films like ‘Rita, Sue and Bob too’, which nobody ever got tired of listening to. He really was an all round entertainer.
At school he was so bright and he had so many friends. He loved English and wrote some amazing stories and poems. When we were in the 6th form together, he entered a poetry competition that involved the whole school, and he was so chuffed when he found out that he had won. He was so passionate about English he really did deserve to win.
Philip and me shared some amazing nights out together, and we loved reminiscing about what we had got up to – there was never a dull moment when you went out with Philip!
The time came after years of being together when we both went onto our different universities, myself to Huddersfield, and Philip to Preston, where we both began different lives. The impact he had on everyone is so special to us all in many different ways, but one thing that we all share here today is the love that we all so very much felt for Philip, and the honour to have known such an amazing person.

Gabby.

Philip was such a wonderful friend to me. He was so down to earth, he wore his heart on his sleeve, and you always knew where you were with him.
His infectious personality had an amazing impact on everyone who was part of his life.
I would describe Philip as being as true and genuine a friend that could be so caring and sensitive towards you when you needed him, and he seemed to be able to show me the light at the end of the tunnel every time.
I remember a time in my life when things were difficult and I felt alone. I knew that I could turn to Philip and I did. Philip was there for me at the end of the phone or ready to meet me at anytime of the day or night to listen to me. There was never a time when Philip wouldn’t be a shoulder to cry on for everyone.
Philip seemed to be the only person in the whole world that understood what I seemed to be going through. He would go to extremes to make me smile and laugh. Philip always had a good way of showing me that things would be o.k. and brought positiveness back into my life.
Some of the most memorable and funniest ways Philip used to make me smile would be his elaborate versions of ‘Annie and ‘The sound of Music’. Personally they were always the better versions and far more entertaining.
I’ll never forget a special moment we shared trailing round the streets of Elland, early hours, arm in arm, we laughed, we cried, we shared our secrets and this particular time I saw a side of Philip that I’d never seen before. He was vulnerable and wanted my acceptance. I have always accepted Philip the way he was and he was so special like no other friend I have ever had and still to this day have not found a friend like Philip. These are the memories that I shall treasure forever.
Although we both moved away from Elland to pursue different avenues, Philip to university and myself to begin a family Philip was still one of my best friends and stayed dear to my heart.

Nicola.

Even in Philips own time of struggle, wanting to pursue a career in social care was his priority and he had even been given the opportunity to go back to University and become a social worker. The time Philip dedicated to helping others to change their lives and better themselves was an inspiration. He was so dedicated and passionate, we are certain he would of made that difference he so wanted to make.



Gabby.

Philip leaves us all with so many warm and fond memories that his life should be celebrated and he shall never be forgotten. We would like you all to take a moment to smile and reminisce on the 23 years of joy and happiness the Philip brought to each and everyone of us. We have been honoured to have known such a special person who will be so sadly missed.

Love you Always and forever Philip.
Nicola and Gabby
XXX