THE father of a young man who died from cystic fibrosis has paid tribute to "the bravest guy".
Stevie Large, 33, died suddenly at his parents' east Hull home on June 5.
His father, Stephen, said his son refused to let his poor health prevent him from leading a fulfilling life, while helping others battle the condition.
He said: "My son, Stevie, was the bravest, nicest guy I have ever known.
"Stevie was so full of life and refused to allow cystic fibrosis to rule his life.
"He was very well known by the many friends he, and us, made in the area.
"On three or four occasions over the years, we were told by the doctors that they did not expect Stevie to live through the night.
"But each time he surprised everyone and pulled through.
"Stevie was pragmatic. He knew eventually that cystic fibrosis would take his life – or at least shorten it."
Stephen, who lives with wife Connie in Barnsley Street, off Holderness Road, said his son's mobility was, up until three years ago, good, given his condition.
"He was attacked as he walked home from visiting a friend," said Stephen. "It happened just up the road from our house.
"The attack was totally unprovoked. The thug was never caught. Stevie's hip was shattered and he underwent reconstruction surgery, which involved metal plates being inserted.
"It knocked Stevie back a lot. We assume his cystic fibrosis would have gradually took away his mobility, but we believe the attack sped that up. His ability to walk suffered."
Stephen and his family are among the founding members of the charity, Cystics of Hull Independent Equipment Fund and Support Group (Chief).
Launched more than 20 years ago by a group of parents with children suffering from cystic fibrosis, the charity has raised tens of thousands of pounds and provided a support network.
Stephen, who has two other sons, Kevin, 38, and Robert, 36, said: "We've all been there and got the T-shirt.
"We were a group of parents who got together to help one another deal with the situation we found ourselves in.
"Chief helps not only the child, but also his or her family. It's marvellous."
As the name suggests, money raised by Chief members and supporters is used to pay for specialist equipment for cystic fibrosis patients.
Stephen said: "The medical care Stevie received was fantastic, but there is only so much the NHS can provide. That's where Chief comes in."
Caring for a child with cystic fibrosis can be exhausting, said Stephen.
"It can be very tiring, especially with the exercises you do with your child," he said. "But it does get easier.
"Eventually, they learn how to do the exercises themselves."
Stephen said cystic fibrosis is a largely misunderstood condition.
"Levels of mobility can vary significantly from very mild to severe," he said.
"But there is no reason why someone with the condition cannot enjoy life, just as Stevie did."
His funeral takes place at 1.30pm on Tuesday at Chanterlands Crematorium in west Hull.
His family have asked people to wear either a Liverpool FC shirt or another item of red clothing as a mark of respect for Stevie, who was a huge fan.
A collection will be held for Chief.
