When I met Sam in 2004, it was over an argument about a pool table. We both walked away thinking "Thank goodness that's the last I'll see of that plonker", only to bump into each other at university the next day. For most people this would have been awkward to the extreme, not for Sam. He thought it was hilarious and we were firm friends ever since.

Sometimes, I think, life nudges into your path exactly what you need. This is how I feel about Sam. He was equal parts funny, honest, kind and true. He did what he'd say he'd do, and not hold it against me when I was more flakey. He met most new challenges with a positive, "alright, lets do it" attitude. I really miss that.

In a lot of ways Sam was more like a brother than a friend. We were so relaxed around each other, making space for each others strengths and flaws. We were massive geeks, especially about Lord of the Rings and Marvel. We were each others default partner if there was ever a new movie or game. We jump at the chance of a movie marathon! Beyond that Sam was an excellent uncle and dad. My kids are much better people for knowing him, which I'm so grateful for.

It was with his positive attitude that Sam dealt with the news of the return of his brain tumour. He'd kicked it's backside when he was young, and he was determined to show it who's boss this time too. Heartbreakingly, it wasn't to be, but Sam and Vicky showed the world exactly what they're made of and kept the positive attitude all the way though.

I was lucky to see Sam shortly before he died. I was all prepared to "be strong for him". Instead, it was him that was strong for me. He was cracking jokes, reminding me of the great times we'd had, speaking with so much love about his family and mine. It wasn't long after this that he died and I often think that this last day together was his gift to me, to help me through it all. But then, that was just Sam being Sam.

Before he became ill, he'd talked about completing the Sea to Sea (C2C) bike ride from Whitehaven to Newcastle on Tees, almost 140 miles over the Pennines. He'd asked me if I wanted to as well and, swept along by his enthusiasm, I'd said yes with the firm plan of finding a reason to get out of it later. The speed of Sam's illness meant the plan went forgotten and Sam never got to complete the C2C.

As anyone who's met me will know, I am not an athlete. I'm not built for speed, or even excessive sweating. But this time, I'm not going to dodge out of it. Sam can't complete the C2C, but we can do it for him. This is, in part, to try and say thank you to Sam. He made my life so much better and I miss him every day. Thank you for reading this, and please consider donating to the Brain Cancer Charity.

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world's leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we're moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour.

We're set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And we're doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can't wait.