East Markham: Tributes paid to ‘gentle giant’

The family of Thomas Chambler who died in a car crash have described his death as leaving a gaping hole in their lives.

Thomas Chambler, 18, from East Markham, died when the vehicle he was a passenger in crashed in Great North Road, at Markham Moor, south of Retford, just after 3.15am on Saturday 12th October.

Thomas leaves behind his older sister Laura, 19, his parents Carol and Francis Chambler and his grandparents Terry and Joan Davies.

His family described him as a gentle giant who “wouldn’t hurt a fly”.

They said: “Thomas was once described as an oversized puppy.”

“Everytime he walked into a room it would light up.”

“He was such a caring lad and would do anything for you.”

“He loved being outdoors and enjoyed his job and was making plans for his future.”

Thomas was a great lover of sports and the outdoors and when he was 14 years old he joined Retford Air Cadets and later transferred to the Lincoln squadron, where he rose to the rank of staff cadet. Cadets from 204 (Lincoln) squadron Air Training Corps will form a guard of honour at his funeral.

One of the highlights of his time with the squadron was in 2011 when he was a Mace Bearer for the Battle of Britain Service of Commemoration, an honour which saw him recognised by the mayor of Retford.

Thomas also volunteered at Chesterfield Canal.

His family added: “Without him our lives have a gaping hole that cannot be filled.

“Words cannot explain how much he will be missed.”

Thomas’s family have said they want his funeral to be a celebration of his life and they want to encourage anyone who knew him to attend.

The funeral will be taking place on Friday 25th October at St John the Baptist Church in East Markham at 2pm.

The arrangements are for family flowers only however if people wish they can make donations to the 204 (Lincoln) Squadron Air Training Corps and Chesterfield Canal Trust via G D Hall funeral directors.

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