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FAMILY and friends will remember the late Toby Flew as a “happy” person with an “infectious smile” after the much-loved local lost his long and brave battle with cancer.
More than 1500 people paid their respects to a young man gone far too soon at a memorial service held at the southern end of One Mile Beach on Tuesday March 4.
Toby, a keen surfer, was also commemorated in the water when a large number of people took part in a massive ocean paddle out.
Forming a large circle out to sea, thousands of surfers bobbed in the water and raised their hands before splashing and chanting “three cheers for Tobes.”
Toby’s mother Theresa participated in the paddle out as a special tribute to her son, who she says was an amazing person with a zest for life.
“I haven’t been on a board in years but it was something I wanted to do for Tobes,” she said.
“He really knew how to live life, he made the most of everything.
“We had a special connection. He loved being mothered and I loved being his mum.
“His family and friends were very important to him.
“I really hope he’s up there, somewhere having a nice surf.”
Amy Shelley said one of the things she will remember the most about her partner was the positive effect he had on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“He taught us how to live and how to be happy,” she explained.
“I think he taught everyone how to be a better person.”
The fun-loving 29-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer in November 2012 and the ferocity of the cruel disease soon took a firm hold, spreading to Toby’s lungs, liver and abdomen.
After enduring several rounds of chemotherapy treatments, Toby beat the odds and bounced back. Soon, he was back doing two of the things he loved most – surfing and playing golf.
Toby, like his plight, was well known having featured on the front page of the Advocate in March last year when a small community, touched by his courage, rallied behind him to raise an impressive $44,000 for cancer research.
Known for his continuous positive attitude, many people were convinced Toby’s strong spirit would beat the disease.
But on December 11 of last year, a sudden seizure saw Toby rushed to hospital in Newcastle and, after a couple of tests, doctors soon discovered two tumours on his brain.
Almost two weeks later, Toby underwent brain surgery and following a successful operation he was able to return home.
Following more chemotherapy, Toby appeared to be doing well. But it wasn’t long before doctors made the grim discovery that the cancer had somehow become immune to the treatment.
Tragically, doctors told a devastated family that nothing more could be done.
Toby's inspiring fight for life came to an end on Friday, February 28 when he lost his 14-month battle.
Surrounded by his parents, siblings and partner Amy, Toby was just five months shy of his 30th birthday.
With the ocean a big part of Toby’s life, it only seemed natural that his final send off would be held on his favourite stretch of beach.
“Within 10 minutes of him passing we all knew what we were going to do,” Mr Flew recalls.
“Surfing was his passion. He loved One Mile Beach.”
Mr Flew said he will always remember his son as a “happy smiling lad” with an ever “infectious smile.”
“He was my son but he was like a good mate. We always had great banter with each other,” Mr Flew said.
“He was a very caring son to his mother.
“And he continued to stay positive, right to the end.”
Toby’s family would like to thank the Great Lakes community for all of the support shown to them during this difficult time and to all of the staff at Forster Private Hospital. Theresa Flew said she would also like to acknowledge all of Toby’s friends.