Neil was born on 7 March 1972, in Great Houghton, Northampton, second child for Brian and Christine and a younger brother for Paul. Neil and Paul had an idyllic childhood, and spent lots of time with their cousins Richard, Andrew, Maria, and Donna, and their many friends where they lived. Neil did well at school, was a model student and loved sport, with football, cricket and tennis, being his favourites.

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After leaving school Neil spent a gap year in America, which he organised himself, in Spokane, Seattle. On his return to the UK, Neil went to University in Liverpool to study Politics, then on to Redruth in Cornwall for 6 months to undertake a course in journalism. Those years as a student were a special time for Neil, and he spoke fondly of them. He made great connections throughout that time, with people who influenced his life. When his studies were over, Neil gained a position at the Wigan Observer and moved to the north west of England.

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The next destination for Neil was the sports desk at Granada TV, where he was an editor. Neil then moved to his dream job as a football journalist on a programme called Football Mundial and was lucky enough to meet and interview footballing legends such as Maradona, Pele, and Carlos Alberto, to name a few. His work on the programme led Neil to visit countries all over the world to see how football was changing lives for people there, and he sent postcards to his family telling them of his adventures. The pinnacle of Neil’s early career was covering the FIFA World Cups in South Africa and South Korea. He also covered a number of African Nations Cup football tournaments as well.

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After the football, Neil moved into international tennis coverage and met and interviewed tennis greats such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray. He travelled extensively with this too, and his map of the world was studded with pins as he racked up the air miles, experiencing so much in every destination.

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Returning to Manchester, Neil then worked at Granada Television as a News Editor, and by now had a huge circle of people in his life. He’d made so many friends but always kept in touch with his oldest and dearest, and his family were a constant presence in his life. Neil always had such fabulous stories to tell from his travels and enjoyed sharing them with everyone, especially Paul’s children George, Ella, and Harry who he adored. They received many souvenirs from Neil’s travels around the planet. He was such a cool uncle (see Ella's eulogy below).

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Neil’s next job was as a News Editor at Border Television and moved to Scotby near Carlisle. Neil loved Cumbrian life and during this time got his beloved dog Walter.

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Neil had previous issues with his mental health that he overcame, and he became a trustee for The Carlisle branch of Eden Mind and volunteered at the Samaritans. He was also a big advocate for animal welfare, a vegan for many years, and volunteered at Oaktree Animal shelter near Scotby. Neil was such a selfless, kind man, who wanted to help others in their times of need, and in his work he supported many people working on their careers, but he struggled to fill the void which he perceived existed in his own life. His mental health issues returned in mid-2022 and his mental wellbeing deteriorated rapidly.

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Neil did seek help and was open and candid about his mental health journey. He was a huge advocate for others who were struggling, and recommended ideas, and organisations he believed in. He walked in the local area, swam, went to the gym, played chess, and was passionate about his music, but nothing seemed to calm his inner turmoil. He continued to work at Border TV, with the support and understanding of his wonderful colleagues there, but the last 18 months of Neil’s life were incredibly difficult for him. He knew without doubt that his family adored him, and he loved them all deeply. Neil held on for as long as he could, but he simply could not see an end to his suffering. 

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Some people may never fully comprehend the suffering of another soul or understand the reasons behind a decision that is so final. We have not walked in another’s shoes and cannot judge, only love and support as much as we can, and hold each other close as we navigate the road ahead. 

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Neil’s life impacted so many people, he loved deeply, and was loved so much in return. Let’s never stop talking about his life, and his achievements, and the generous human being that he was. Let’s always talk about mental health, let’s eradicate the stigma, let’s make a difference.