I met Martin when I left school and went to Plymouth, hopeful of being an Engineering Officer in the Merchant Navy. I remember him always smiling and joking and he loved his music. I had been listening to an unlabelled bootleg tape for about a year; loved it but didn't know who it was! Martin told me it was Led Zepellin and then told me everything there was to know about them, so that I was a very happy boy. I can't fail to think about him when its on (which is still a lot).

40 lads in the same building in the centre of town for two years. Lots of freedom, food all sorted for us, first time we'd had money, first cars (a Marina I think his was), first motorcycles, first girlfriends (although he was already sorted I think). It was an exciting a joyful time. Nicknames were a big thing and only I knew Martin as Baggy, same as he thought Ralf was my real name. Shame only a couple of pics of that time, but I've put them in the gallery.

He's not the first of that old gang to go, but its still way too soon and very sad. Bless Linda and the family and I hope they're all pulling together okay. I won't forget him either.