A much-loved Whitehaven man has tragically passed away at the age of 52. 

Phil Rourke, of Moresby, lost his battle to ill health after developing a third brain tumour. 

This month Phil married his long-time partner Sara in Harbour View care home at Bransty. 

Over his life Phil was incredibly passionate about music, particularly rock and heavy metal, he performed in a number of bands and would host charity events and the then Civic Hall where musicians would play free of charge to raise money for important causes. 

Mrs Rourke said: "He was just a lovely character, not only was he my husband I've lost my best friend."

Sara went on to give details about Phil's life, she explained: "He was born and bred in Whitehaven and lived here all his life. 

"He started his working life at Jewson's and went on to work at Sellafield. He was born on December 12, 1970. 

"The big part of his life was the pub the Three Tuns which is where he met a group of friends and some of them became band mates. 

"The first band that he played in was Odium, he then went on to play in Sweet Zombie Jesus, and his third band was Aeternun, he went on to play in One Hundred Hand Slap and his latest band was Severe Lacerations. 

Whitehaven News: Phil Rourke (left) and Anne Kelly from the Civic Hall handing over the money to County Coun Tim Knowles for the Cumbria Flood victims Phil Rourke (left) and Anne Kelly from the Civic Hall handing over the money to County Coun Tim Knowles for the Cumbria Flood victims (Image: John Story)

"That was the band side of it and over the years he ran Rock 24/7 at the Civic Hall that took place once a year. 

"There he asked all of the bands to turn up and donate their time for free and every year all of the money raised went to different local charities. 

"Some of the charities included helping the Cumbria flood victims, he also supported a Motor Neurone charity as my mam was affected by it and Jack's Journey which was in support of a young boy from Maryport."

Phil decided that he wanted to marry Sara and the couple were married at Harbour View, which was a first for the care home. 

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at Distington Crematorium. The dress code will be relaxed and people are invited to wear heavy metal band T-shirts if they choose too. 

READ MORE: Whitehaven man Phil Rourke marries partner at Harbour View Care Home