A MOTHER has spoken about the moment her former partner died in her arms after bravely battling two brain tumours.

Sharon Stocker, 41, from Acton, Wrexham, has paid a loving tribute to Dave Burgess, of Gourton Square, Wrexham, who died aged 46.

The couple had two sons but were living apart.

Fighting back tears, Sharon recounted how Dave died as she was looking after him at his home. She said: “I looked at his face and could see he was going.

“It was so emotional. I gave him a cuddle and I begged him not to leave me but he slowly closed his eyes and took his last breath. It was almost as if I could see it leaving his body.”

Sharon described Dave, an award-winning salesman, as being a popular, charismatic man who was charming and good looking.

He doted on his sons Darian Stocker, 13, and Ethan Burgess, five.

“Quite a few people commented that he looked like George Michael. Dave was a great talker and very witty. Even after splitting up in 2006 we still kept in close contact.

“As well as being good at his job Dave could also turn his hand to many practical things like building and electrics.”

Sharon said tumours were found on Dave’s brain in the late spring this year and his condition was diagnosed terminal.

“He was told that with treatment he could live for around four months. Dave was desperately trying to hang on until Christmas because he wanted to make it such a special time for our boys,” said Sharon.

“We were making plans for what we would do. I still loved him.”

Sharon said towards the end, despite showing great determination, Dave’s condition deteriorated rapidly and his appearance changed on a daily basis.

“It really was so upsetting to see. Now I feel totally drained by everything that has happened,” she said.

A funeral service will be held at Pentrebychan Crematorium tomorrow at 2pm.