Tributes have been paid by the family of a young chef after he lost an 18-month fight against cancer.

Philip Bird, 22, who during his career worked in the kitchens of Colchester Military Corrective Training Centre for a year, was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's Lymphoma 18 months ago.

After his death at Essex County Hospital in the town on Monday, his mother Avril Jarman said the whole family, including his brother Paul and sister Trish, were devastated but trying to come to terms with their loss.

Mrs Jarman, of Holly Road, Stanway, said Philip, who lived with her and his stepdad John, showed "immense bravery" during his illness and refused to give up right until the end.

"He was just a normal young man who wanted to get on with his life. He loved sport and music and going out with his friends, but he also loved being a chef and was good at what he did," she said.

Mrs Jarman said Philip was diagnosed with cancer just weeks after returning from Rugby, where he had lived and worked with his sister for a year.

"He had treatment and it seemed to be working but he went back to work in Ingatestone and was only there for a couple of months when he became much worse and the doctors told us there was not much hope.

"He only really got upset about it when he was told he could not drive because of the treatment. He loved driving and would think nothing of driving to Rugby and back in a day and it made it hard on him because he was so young and couldn't believe it was happening to him," she added.

She said friends had supported him by taking him out as much as they could, including a trip to Alton Towers just a few months ago.

"He absolutely loved that and went on all the rides. He was very brave up to the end, none of us ever wanted to give up hope," she added.

The funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium on Friday, August 17.

By Lauren Spurgeon

Reporter's e-mail: lauren_spurgeon@thisisessex.co.uk

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