Phil Bestford, aged 40, died after a lengthy illness which plagued him for most of his adult life.

Now wife Alison, 46, is hoping his friends will turn out in force for his unconventional funeral this Thursday.

"His death has been a long time coming so we want to make his send-off as special as possible," said Alison, from Hillsborough, who is mum to

Phil's daughter Eve, nine, as well her own grown-up children Arun, 20,
and Laura, 24.

"He was very popular and moved in some unique circles, so we are hoping for a good turn-out.

"There could be a bit of a motley crew!"

Leave a tribute to Phil in our book of condolence, click here.

Much of Phil's work was inspired by fantasy, gothic myths and
motorbikes and he was a former president of the Dracula Society in Whitby.

A convoy of bikers will lead Phil's funeral procession and many of his goth friends have promised to wear full gear for the occasion.

"There should be a few goths, a few bikers and a few things that go bump in the night," said friend Mark Smith. "I'll be heading up the goths and we want to make it a really special day for Phil."

Despite his enthusiasm for bikes, Phil was unable to get a licence because of his illness so dedicated his time to painting them instead. He was also a trained tattoo artist.

Phil owned a workshop on Carlton Road, Hillsborough, and some of his artwork can be viewed online at www.philbestford.co.uk.

"Phil was a big personality and a real party person and we want to reflect that," said Alison.

"He wouldn't have drawn this sort of attention to himself when he was alive so we want to pay tribute to him properly now he has died.
"He would have loved this, I'm sure."

A collection will be held following his funeral at Grenoside Crematorium in aid of the Neurocare unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the Artists' General Benevolent Institution.

"Eve has grown up knowing that daddy is ill and has always helped to look after him," said Alison.

"She is sad that he is gone but happy to have had these years with him.

"She has a great network of friends who have also grown up understanding Phil was sick and they have been wonderful for her."

The funeral starts at 2.45pm at Grenoside Crematorium on Skew Hill Lane, Grenoside.

Main news index
Sports headlinesToday's features