THE family and friends of an amazing man who has died after a battle with a long illness have paid tribute to his courage and bravery.

Well-known Walney dad Gordon Cooney was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in June 2014. His diagnosis came just weeks after his 22-year-old daughter Vicky died suddenly in her sleep following a convulsion.

Since then, Mr Cooney, and his wife Gill, have inspired friends and family by bravely battling the muscle-wasting illness, vowing to make the most of the time they had left with their son Tom.

Mr Cooney played bass in bands locally for 35 years – including Admiral Jelicoe, The Game, Mayfair, Rain Town, Park Avenue, and the duo Rebound. He also taught thousands of youngsters
to drive during his 18 years as a driving instructor and was well-known for his quiz nights at the West Shore Club on Walney.

Mrs Cooney has thanked all those who have sent their wishes since her husband died last Tuesday at their home in Strathnaver Avenue aged 57, surrounded by his close family.

"There have been so many tributes on Facebook and we have received such lovely messages that as a family we are overwhelmed, but feel lucky to have been able to share this amazing man with so many people who love him as much as we do," she said.

Friends and family will gather at St Mary's Church on Walney at 9.45am tomorrow to say goodbye.

At the funeral, Mr Cooney's best friend Phil Lees will pay tribute in his own special way by fulfilling a pact the lifelong pals made many years ago.

"Gordon and his son are Man United fans, and me and my son Cameron are Liverpool fans," Mr Lees explained.

"We made a pact years ago, before he was diagnosed, and I said if I die first I want you to wear a Liverpool shirt to my funeral. So tomorrow I'll be proudly wearing a Man United shirt for Gordon.

"That's how he told me when he was diagnosed, he said 'you're going to have to go and buy yourself a United shirt'."

The pair have been friends for more than 40 years. Just two days before Mr Cooney died, he arranged for some money to be put behind the bar at a hotel in Liverpool, where Mr Lees was celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife.

"That's how selfless he was, always thinking of others," Mr Lees said.

"He'd told me that after he dies, he's going to get on his Harley-Davidson, strap his bass guitar to his back and go and see his daughter Vicky."

"I'LL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO HELP RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS"

FAMILY friend Dan Hayes has vowed to continue his fundraising efforts in Gordon Cooney's name.

Mr Hayes, 30, has taken on a series of fitness challenges in a bid to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association following his friend's diagnosis.

Together with his close friend Matt Robson, Mr Hayes has raised thousands of pounds by taking part in the Manchester Marathon and Keswick to Barrow events.

The pair, who were both taught to drive by Mr Cooney, have also applied to compete in next year's London Marathon, set to take place on April 23.

In a touching Facebook tribute after hearing of the news of Mr Cooney's death, Mr Hayes, 30, a DJ, said: "One of nicest people I have ever met, and I'm so proud to of known you. Sleep well and say hello to Vicky for us. I promise I'll do everything I can to help raise money and awareness for MND."

The Motor Neurone Disease Association is a British charity which coordinates care, support, and research for people affected by the illness. Visit www.mndassociation.org for more information.