“When I think about Andrew, the first thing I think of is basketball. He supported LA Lakers, but he just knew everything about basketball.  I used to go and watch him when he played basketball for Crawley Storm and Sussex Storm, and I would cheer him on. Andrew was the best big brother, and whenever I hurt myself, he used to put a treat inside “Treat Bear” for me, and sing “Three Little Birds” to me.

It was strange at home when Andrew was going into hospital all the time, because one minute there would be four of us at home, but then there would only be two of us because mum always went to hospital with Andrew. I didn’t like that very much because I wanted us all to be together.

The house feels really different without Andrew, it’s a lot emptier and quieter.  I miss playing basketball with Andrew in the garden and watching movies together.

It was really hard losing Andrew because I grew up with him and then, all of a sudden, he wasn’t there anymore.  I keep as many pictures of Andrew as I can, because sometimes just looking at those pictures can help. I didn’t feel alone when he died because I knew that Mum and Dad were feeling the same. I had a lot of friends who were really kind to me as well, one in particular who had known Andrew very well, and I felt that he understood a little bit of how I was feeling.  It helped to talk to my teachers who remembered Andrew when he was at school, and they would talk to me about him. Momentum arranged for Posey to come around every week and do art with me, which I really enjoyed. Momentum also did lots of other things that made me happy, like having a pebble painted, and sending Santa to my house with some gifts. It really helped because it was different little things that helped to make me feel better.

We talk about Andrew a lot at home, which I really like. It is nice having memories that make me think about him. It was amazing to have a brother like Andrew, he always helped me and made me laugh. I feel really proud that he is my brother.”

The Smith family recently set up a Precious Moments Tribute Fund in memory of Andrew. Tribute funds are a special way to remember and celebrate someone special. You can share memories, light virtual candles and link donations. Find out more