On behalf of Emma (Tom’s sister) and Matt (Tom’s twin brother):

Never did Matt and I think we would be writing a tribute for our 17 year old brother, Tom, at his funeral.
Growing up together, the three of us always had a strong and close relationship, one which was probably typical of siblings our age. Tom and Matt always had their own, unique relationship, being twins. And I, as your older sister, always felt protective of you both.
When Tom was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, despite our world feeling as though it had fallen apart, our relationship as a family and with one another grew from strength to strength. All the existing qualities of our bond intensified, and acted as a support mechanism for us all.
During our life together, especially in the last 20 months, Tom has taught Matt and me many things: to be strong in the most difficult times; to protect and care for the ones we love most; to be loyal; to always keep a sense of humour; and most of all, to appreciate the things in life that we had always previously taken for granted. Your courage, bravery and pride would astound Matt and me every single day, and still does now. When it became clear that time was running out, Matt asked Tom if he was afraid. Tom’s reply was typical of his humour and his courage. “Nah,” he said. “I’ve been through worse.” And so Matt and I laughed and cried at the same time.
We are both so proud to be able to call you our brother, Tom.
Whilst Matt and I were discussing things to include in this tribute, we felt it was important as your brother and sister to also make clear what a pain you could be! For instance, being ‘heavily persuaded’ into hiding your detention slips from Mum and Dad; having your back in any situation you would get yourself into, and having to suffer watching football for hours on end, as you would always hog the TV controls! There was also the time that Matt and Tom were play fighting after school, and Tom nearly kicked the hinges off our bathroom door where Matt was hiding, on the phone to Mum asking for help!
Tom, your handsome looks, charm, big brown eyes and the other positive attributes of your personality, seemed to help you get away with things Matt and I never would've! Although Mum and Dad would never admit to this, it would always be something the three of us would laugh about.
Without realising, you have created a love that is so strong and so durable, that we never thought was possible to feel for someone. You touched the lives of everyone you came into contact with, Tom.
Although you were never one to express much of your feelings, we as a family know how touched you were by the amount of love and support you received and how overwhelmed you would be now, by everyone's kindness. Your illness did not define you as a person, nor will it do us. Matt and I will make you proud by living life to the fullest.
No words will ever be enough in expressing the way we both feel about you, Tom, nor will it fill the emptiness we feel now that you are no longer here. However, knowing that you will never be too far away gives Matt and I some comfort in this tragic situation we find ourselves in. We are also certain that your legacy will always live on in everyone's hearts.
You are mine and Matt's hero, our inspiration - and will forever be the love our lives. We look back on the life we all shared together with smiles, love and happy memories.
We know from the many amazing tributes Matt and I have seen over the past few weeks, that many of you here today also regarded Tom as your brother, refer to him as ‘brother’ and say he was ‘like a brother’ to you. So I speak for both me and Matt when I say, we are incredibly proud that you feel a connection to him like ours…
So brother, this isn't a goodbye, it's a see you later. Wherever you are going, be sure that we are all coming too. So brace yourself!