Tributes have been paid to a Royal Navy veteran and Long Sutton parish councillor who lived for over 25 years with a brain tumour.
Paul Sayers passed away on Christmas Eve aged 59.
Born in Terrington, but having moved to Long Sutton while young, he’d been inspired to go into the Navy by elder brother Andrew.
Paul started as a junior engineer, rising up to the ranks of engineering artificer and Chief Petty Officer.
He fought in the Falklands conflict and was stationed in Gibraltar for a number of years.
He was on-board HMS Portsmouth when he passed out which led to his diagnosis of having a brain tumour in 1994.Despite being told by doctors then that he might not live more than five years, he held a birthday party for his tumour on the 25th anniversary of its discovery last February.
It raised over £700 for Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
During that 25 years he’s continued to sit on Long Sutton Parish Council and regularly attended St Mary’s Church.
He also joined Holbeach band and learned to play the clarinet.
Paul’s funeral takes place on Monday, January 27 at St Mary’s Church in Long Sutton and is followed by his cremation at Mintlyn Crematorium near King’s Lynn.
Terry Day knew Paul through the Royal Naval Association for which Paul was the vice chair.
“Everybody loved Paul,” said Terry. “He was just a cracking guy who was full of wit and humour.
“He was very clever and rose through the ranks with the Navy before his illness hit.
“He would help any way he could.
“In November he was in hospital but he was determined to get to Spalding for Remembrance Day.
“He insisted and he was on hand to lay the wreath.
“He had this fantastic attitude to his illness that up until his body wouldn’t let him, he wouldn’t not let anything stop him.”
