I was going through a pretty tough time a couple of years ago I had left my job after 18 years and left my new one during my probation period because I hated it. After a few months of what we'll call a career break it was proving harder to find something than I had hoped.

Al and I spoke regularly and I guessed he picked up I wasn't 100% and suggested we pick up some cheap tickets to a West Ham game. It was the day the Queen died and remember hoping the game wasn't called off as we might not end up meeting up.

We met up a while before kick off and was greeted by that signature smile and a warm hug. I think with anyone else I would have put on a front but Al had this way about him and was able to open up and let him know the truth and it felt good to talk it through.

After an emotional rendition of God save the Queen we moved onto other topics with Al gushing about how proud and in awe he was of Beth and how amazing Seren was and that everyday brought something new.

I then told Al that I was going to ask Becki to marry me, this obviously lead to more emotional outbursts and hugs, I hadn't planned to tell anyone but knew if I did Al was that person.

My wedding day I arrived at the pub and was greeted by Al in the same old way and he handed me a hanky for the wedding which seems like a small gesture, it actually meant the world to me and was so glad to have him there that day.

Becki said the other day you should judge someone how they make you feel and if you did Al was just The Best!