Tom Brady

I will always remember Tom as a teenager coming to Ireland on his holidays. He had such patience with me his annoying little cousin. He spent most of his time just reciting words I found fascinating in a London accent, I’m sure me requesting this nearly drove him crazy but he was always such a gentleman. RIP Tom x

We had some great times together particularly during our trips to Barcelona, twice to Brittany, Holland and as hard as it to say it even on the many occasions, at the Valley!!! with love Malc

We only had the privilege of knowing Tom for seven years. He was a wonderful witness for Christ, always cheerful and with a lovely smile. After the Morning service we enjoyed chats about films we had both enjoyed when he was able to visit the cinema. we will one day renew our fellowship Anne and David Linley

I’m Katy Fernandez, Tom’s Spanish teacher. I’d like to say a few words about Tom. I was lucky enough to meet Tom because he came for several years to different classes of mine. A man who despite his disability never complained about anything, and even when sometimes he arrived to school  all wet because it was raining, or hot because it was sunny and he could not take off his coat until he came to class and I would take it off. . A man who had trouble writing by hand, but who did his best to do his homework on the computer. Always happy for everything and with everyone. He gave us all a lesson in life sacrifice and always smiling. He always spoke of his family with great pride, how hard-working his wife was with the babies who she took care, his daughter Luisa and his son Sean and his grandson who it was a joy for his.  I am very happy to have been able to be part in his life and now in his funeral to say goodbye, Tom, you will always be in my memory and every time I see the drawing of the squirrel that you painted for me with a lot of effort due to the muscle problems of your hands, I will think of you wherever you are. Goodbye Tom, may God have you close to him, you deserve it. Your teacher and your classmates in Spanish will never forget you. Gracias Linda for all

lovely service our condolences to Linda and family also Nora Catherine and Theresa x

Tom was always inspirational: his gentleness and friendliness. The fact that he seemed to be at peace with himself and the world. The fact that he continued to come to church and be involved despite all the limitations and frustrations of MS – it was supernatural. What a lesson for me!

Thank you for a lovely service. Sending love and prayers to you all xx

I knew from the moment I walked through the doors into The Brady house and I met Tom for the first time; sitting in the dining room, that he was a winner. After about 30 seconds of politeness- you know… being nice when you meet a new person, he gave up and started mocking me (then never stopped) and that day he proceeded to teach me the worlds worst football songs- which I can never repeat out loud. We were firm friends from then onwards. He was always the first to laugh at me when I said something stupid, the one to tell countless horrendous jokes that should never have been funny- but the mischievous grin and laughter at his OWN joke, made them hilarious. He mocked and insulted his family with a heart of absolute adoration. And every banterous comment was flung straight back at him. (I loved when Lou and I were painting our nails in the dining room, and we decided Tom needed a pretty nail too. He took it like a champ… not that he had a choice!) Seeing Tom, Linda, Louise and Sean together was a pleasure, and usually ended in tears of laughter. The deep love they have for each other, is so evident and a beautiful thing to experience. He was a kind and generous man, and I am so grateful that he welcomed me into their fold so often, with an open heart (and open arms… ready to accept some form of tasty baked goods). I will never forget how much he laughed at a card I made that said “Happy Umbilical Separation Day”. I did not know it would get that kind of response. But apparently it tickled him. Who knew?! I loved and will treasure our dining room chats over a cup of tea, going from seriousness to hilarity and back again, in the blink of an eye. He was and is so massively loved, and will be incredibly missed by so many. I’m glad to have had the privilege of knowing him.

We will always remember you Tom, with much love from Jack , Tom and Maria xxx

We will always have fond memories of Tom. We loved his smile and positive outlook even though he was dealt a rubbish hand! Much loved by many. Our love ❤️ and prayers go out to Linda, Sean, Louise and all the family xxx

Tom’s smile is legendary, but so much of his warmth, humour and sheer humanity came through his eyes, which danced. It was also through his eyes that I was occasionally able to detect a gentle ‘leg-pull’ when I was taking an issue far too seriously. I think Tom had a profound understanding of God’s grace, which was so refreshing as it gave me permission to ‘breath easy’. I once thought I would go over and chat with him ‘to encourage him’, but the tables soon turned on that count. Tom was the encourager; he would give me his full attention in any conversation, regardless of what else was happening around us. I felt so valued. He was a wonderful man and I’m so glad that he still is, and even more so.

Tom was one of those special people that some are fortunate to meet and become friends with.  His attitude, despite his disability, drew you to him and I always enjoyed his company.  Having been on a number of holidays with him I got to know him well and we always had a good time, never without a laugh. Tom’s wit and humour brought joy to the people around him and it was impossible not to like him.   His life wasn’t smooth going due to his health, especially over the last couple of years, yet however he might feel, he was always cheerful and it was good to visit him for lunch, a chat, a coffee or a pint.  He is now free of his wheelchair and enjoying a new life with the Lord and although he has left a Tom shaped hole in our hearts,  heaven is now blessed by and enjoying his presence. I have lost a good friend, but will always have great memories of our fun times together.

We have great memories of Tom from the days back in the labs at The Wellcome Foundation at Dartford. His humour and warmth (and prowess at badminton – I could never beat him!) Also happy times socially with Tom and Linda. Love to all the family. Nick and Tracy x

To lovely Linda Louise and Sean. We are so sorry for you loss. We didnt know Tom very well but what we did you could see what a lovely gentleman he was and had a great sense of humour. We can never thank him enough for being a great role model for our beautiful Anna. I remember when Linda told me about the day you went on the segways and Anna sat on Toms lap watching i can only imagine that and the fun they must of had together. Anna always loved men when she came to us and it was because of the love Tom showed her and the attention he always gave to her. We can never thank Tom enough for this and helping raise our little Angel how blessed she was when having you both as her first role model in life. God bless you xxx

Tom was a special person! Family at the fore and we shared many happy visits together between the Morgan/Brady clans. The master of the deadpan response followed by the trademark Tom giggle! Love, laughter and lots of banter! Rest well Tom x

Although only 6 weeks older than me, Tom was always a year above me at our primary and secondary schools and, as he was about twice the size of me when we were very young (!) , I always literally looked up to him as an elder brother. We played football together for the same school and cubs’ teams when we were at St Thomas More Primary School and also attended the same Grammar School, St Mary’s Sidcup, where I never matched Tom’s considerable sporting abilities as a Rugby or Cricket Player. After our fantastic schooling at St Mary’s we then played for different football teams, Tom at Bexley Nomads, where he’d excel as a goalkeeper, and I as a nippy front man with a team called Ventora. In a pre-season “friendly” between our respective teams, I was through on goal and entered a 50/50 challenge with Tom and came off worse and am still missing a tooth to this day! When I reminded Tom of this many years later, he just laughed and said I should’ve eaten more Shredded Wheat or something typically brash – although he did then buy me a beer to kind of apologize! I also remember being bullied in the playground by one of his classmates from his year at St Mary’s and Tom called him off and said “leave Hughesey alone – he can’t help being a West Ham fan!” As Tom was a “mere” Charlton fan, I thought “what a cheek” but was glad of his big brotherly intervention! So much in common and it didn’t stop there – we both shared a love of chemistry and my first job was at The Wellcome Foundation in Dartford and Tom went on to spend many good years there (although I changed career path so we never actually overlapped). I could go on with many a memory but you get the gist now that although not “besties” because of our different school years there was a lot of camaraderie between us and I was really saddened when I heard that “Big Tom” had contracted MS and this strong and sporty guy I’d always looked up to would be so cruelly restricted by the disease. Although there is a gap of about 15 years between our 30th and 45th years when our respective growing families meant we had far less contact, when we eventually re-hooked up around 2005 it was as if nothing had changed although by this time MS had restricted Tom to a wheelchair. Yet, as I heard from so many people, Tom never uttered a word of self-pity or bitterness to me or any of our group when we’d meet for an occasional Sunday Roast at Sidcup Place just opposite our old school. In fact, I remember one day when he reflected that he felt “blessed” despite his illness and I never really asked why but I suspect it was at least partly due to the love and support he received from his adored wife and family. Sharing also the same faith as Tom, I am sure he is now blessed in God’s Arms and may you rest in peace big man. One last request Tom, look out for me if I ever get there too as I might need a big brother to settle me in. Much love from Brian and all the Hughes Family. xxx

Tom was a good friend and a great man. We will miss him.

Knowing Tom from childhood I have lots of lovely memories. The Brady’s and The Murphy’s! Charlton and Chelsea! The Murphy’s never forgiven for not supporting the local team! As an adult, every time I met Tom he was full of enthusiasm for life despite his disability. He always seemed to have something new planned. He was a lovely man with a great personality and will be greatly missed. Love to all the family, thinking of you all. RIP Tom . Margaret, Tony and family x

I really did not know Tom that well, but I heard so much about him that I felt as though I did.. Linda, Louise Sean & Jo, may Tom’s wonderful ways & his love of Christ shine on through you forever.& bring you peace & comfort. Sending you lots of love hugs & prayers..xxx

Tom was not only my brother but my friend. He always made me laugh and teased. He was one of the bravest people I know and I will always be so very proud of him and the way he dealt with his condition. I will miss him more than words can say. God bless my darling Tom Cath xxxx