TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘loveable’ and ‘caring’ musician who died suddenly at the age of 35.

Alastair Thomas, known as Ali, was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of 21 and died suddenly after spending five days in ICU on October 2 at the Countess of Chester hospital.

A special event is now set to be held next month in a bid to raise more awareness of the condition.

Mum Dee Pinnington said: "There’s so much to say about Ali, he was a very kind man.

"I can’t stress how hard-working he was and how loveable he was. It was very easy to love him, he always pushed boundaries.

"He was really funny as a child, he was a cheeky chap and had great enthusiasm for life. Ali gave a lot of happiness to a lot of people.

"He worked hard for his family and his children are far too young to have lost their daddy."

Ali, who was a pupil at St Richard Gwyn in Flint, followed his dream to be a musician after completing his studies.

The local rock star travelled across the UK to perform at various events as a soloist and as a duo in ‘The Statements’ and a group called ‘Universal Exports’.

Mrs Pinnington added: "As a child he would come home from school and tell me things. Even in adult like there was always a tale to tell.

"Quite a moment for me was when he was deciding on his university application, he said he didn’t know what to put and I said to him I think he should follow his dreams.

"He picked me up and said thank you and I’ll always remember that moment. He went on to be a huge success.

"I remember saying to him do it now while you’ve got the chance. Don’t miss out – I never wanted that for him.

"He had an innate sense of style and knew everyone. Walking anywhere with him would take hours because everyone would want to chat with him.

"Seeing him perform was a privilege for me and everyone who heard his beautiful voice."

Hundreds attended the funeral on October 20 which was held at Oakenholt Crematorium.

Mrs Pinnington added: "I’ve been amazed by the love and support. His funeral was huge, it was the biggest that was held there, and he sang at his own funeral with a song called ‘A Moment Calling’. He’s sang at all of our life events.

"He was fun, loving and caring. I’m so proud of everything he achieved. His loss was such a shock because he was working 24-hours before being admitted to hospital. It was incredibly quick and down to complications from the diabetes."

Ali’s family is aiming to raise awareness of type one diabetes, which took the 35-year-olds life at a young age.

The event will be held at the Royal British Legion in Flint on April 27 and all proceeds will go towards type one Diabetes UK Cymru.

Tickets cost £5 and anyone wishing to attend can find out more information from the Universal Exports Facebook page.

Mrs Pinnington said: "It’s going to raise awareness of this terrible condition which is huge for us as a family.

"It’s challenging and a life-long battle. You constantly have it, there’s no respite. It can be a lonely battle.

"At some point in their lives everyone will come across someone with type one diabetes, it might be a work colleague, friend or stranger.

"If we can raise some awareness of what this terrible condition is like, we can spot those signs and help.

"If I can save one family from this that would be fantastic."

Ali leaves behind his mum, dad (David Thomas), step-dad (Paul Pinnington), brother (Chris Thomas) and wife and two young children.

His mum added: "Chris and Ali were the very best of friends. I’ve never seen siblings so close, I have never heard a cross word between them. They had a deep love for each-other and this has had a massive impact on Chris.

"There's so much I can say about Ali, not just because he's my son, but because he touched so many people's lives."