Pembrokeshire Sports people in general, football in particular, plus the countless others who  got to meet Luke Harding through his battle with cancer, will be very sad to learn that he passed away on late on Thursday at the untimely age of 30.

But the legacy he leaves behind is beyond count because his indomitable spirit, determination to think of others at a time when he could have been forgiven for thinking of himself: his amazing fund-raising on behalf of Withybush Hospital and his local surgery in Fishguard, pay tribute to what made Luke tick.

He was first diagnosed with lung cancer in the summer of 2016, after previously been a fit young man who loved football and living life to the full, and the manner in which he confronted the condition whilst at the same time raising in excess of a huge sum to help others, means one thing is abundantly clear.

In doing so he made it his mission to prove that a terminal diagnosis does not stop you being yourself, or inspiring those around you; although he was always quick to play down his involvement as anything special, which was another endearing part of his make-up.

I was only lucky enough to have known Luke from the time when Fishguard Sports organised a testimonial match for him at Tregroes Park – where he readily agreed to let me write a feature article on him, but with the proviso that there was no sloppy stuff but instead a full account of his illness and how others suffering such a dreadful illness could still battle on and enjoy life in as full a manner as possible.

It was powerful stuff but upsetting for me to think that one so young had so many issues to contend with – but on the occasions that we since met I know that to have wallowed in sympathy wouldn’t have been allowed. It wasn’t his thing!

My last two meetings sum up how Luke approached life.

The first was at home near Letterston, where he was telling me about the fact that he had been suffering a few seizures but managed to have me choking with laughter over my cup of tea and cake, especially with regard to when dad had to pick him up and get his 6’3” frame back on the settee! Parts of the description weren’t printable!

The second was very recently as I popped in to see him at Withybush Hospital and I was startled about how tired and unwell he looked – but he was still interested about how my family were, especially my grandson whom he knew was very special to us.

We agreed I should pop up to see him at home when he was discharged and in a couple of phone chats since I could tell that his condition had worsened and sadly I didn’t get to meet up with Luke again.

But I will never forget Luke Harding as long as I live, both as a wickedly charming person and a great ambassador with a zest for life that saw him walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and somehow complete the Cardiff Half Marathon in testing conditions, to reach his target of £30,000 for charity.

I have been fortunate to have met many so-called famous sporting people in my life but I can safely say none matched up to Luke in terms of charisma and determination.

He was lucky to have the amazing support of parents Alex and Peter, plus his brothers, family and friends - and my heart go out to mum and dad today.

It is no consolation to them when I say he is out of the suffering he has endured so bravely but I genuinely believe that the big feller is already winging his way to a better place.

Rest in peace – Luke Harding – you were a real star!

PHOTOS:
Luke Harding
Luke with Kirsten Whatling
Luke with John Luke and Steve Lewis at his special football match