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 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.

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.
We shall love and miss him for the rest of our lives.

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. So rest now our darling son, pain
can no longer hurt you and our love will always be with you.
Love you so so very much, your heartbroken Mum & Dad XXX


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