A FATHER who died after a year-long battle with cancer has been described as an "amazing dad".
More than 300 people descended on Randalls Park Crematorium, in Leatherhead, on Friday for the funeral of Carl Fleming, who lost his battle with leukaemia last month.
The 28-year-old was diagnosed with the disease in August last year, and went into remission in January, but the leukaemia came back four months later and he died on July 16.
Speaking to the Advertiser, his girlfriend Vicki Bullen said: "We were together for four years and we were always with each other and never apart.
"It's strange being on your own after spending all of your time with someone and I'm trying to get used to it, but obviously it can be very difficult."
She added: "I have got brilliant friends and family and they are keeping my mind on other things, but it is when you are left alone that you start to think about how much you miss them.
"His daughter from another relationship is only eight years old. He was an absolutely amazing dad and he did everything for her, so I feel for her very much that she doesn't have him anymore."
Mr Fleming, of Ryebrook Road, Leatherhead, was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital, and was in "good spirits" before he was told his cancer had come back unexpectedly.
"It was much more aggressive this time around," added Ms Bullen. "It ate through his hip and leg bone and he had to have a hip replacement and it was a bit of a downward spiral from there.
"They came into the room and we were told that he only had a couple of hours to live. It was a real shock to the system and your brain just goes into overload and you don't know what to do."
She continued: "We took him home and all of his friends came from all over the place to say their final goodbyes and it just showed you what a great person he was to have so many friends.
"He stayed with us for another seven days, which just proves how strong he was to hold on for that long."
Mr Fleming was a keen banger racing driver, and his family had four banger cars built to follow the coffin through the town.
"It was an amazing day and very fitting that so many came," said Ms Bullen. "His daughter read a prayer and a poem she wrote and myself and a couple of his friends made a speech, so it was very touching."
