JOE Geeling was an ordinary school boy who lived an ordinary life.

Despite being born with Cystic Fibrosis, the adventurous youngster with an impish smile refused to let his condition prevent him from living his life to the full.

He was a chatterbox, inquisitive and always made a lasting impression on those who met him.

Tragically, his future was cut short two weeks ago when he was stabbed to death and his body discovered in Whitehead park in Bury.

Now, speaking exclusively to the Bury Times, Joe's mum and dad, Gwen and Tom, have talked for the first time personally of their loss and have given an insight into their son's short but full life.

"There is such a massive hole in our lives," said Tom. "Where the house was full of Joe chatting away, asking questions, it is now deafeningly quiet.

"Joe was an 11-year-old going on 50. As a toddler, he was very tactile and always seeking your attention. If your eyes strayed away from him he would grab your face and make you look at him.

"He was a chatterbox. He would never stop talking and was always asking questions. If he wasn't happy with a short answer he would keep plugging away until he got a full explanation."

Born in Fairfield General Hospital on June 22, 1994, Joe was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis within days.

Over the years, he would regularly need hospital treatment and was required to take a varied range of medication to help him cope with the condition.

However, it never held him back from enjoying a normal, fun-filled life.

Gwen said: "Joe loved school, football and biking. He could talk to anyone and made a lasting impression wherever he went. Everyone remembers his infectious smile. He also had a wicked sense of humour."

One of Tom and Gwen's toughest tasks since Joe's murder was to explain what had happened to his younger brother, James, aged six.

Gwen said: "We eventually told James Joe had died but we didn't reveal how until last weekend. Joe was also very patient and loving towards James. They got on so well. Joe was always looking after him."

Joe attended St Marie's nursery school and spent several years in the infant section before joining Guardian Angels RC Primary School where he took part in as many extra-curricular activities as possible.

He regularly appeared in plays and pantomimes and was a member of the choir. By the time he moved up to St Gabriel's RC High School, Joe excelled in French, science and maths.

Outside school, however, Joe, of Devon Street, Bury, was happiest helping his mum and dad around the house.

Tom said: "Joe designed the front garden. I wanted to keep it flagged but Joe wanted grass. He did all the work. All the neighbours commented on his efforts.

"He also loved tinkering. While he loved to ride his motorbike, he got as much out of it by tinkering with it, fixing things. He would always help me in the workshop. He made a rack for all my tools. He was also good at problem solving."

Joe was also keen to help other members of the family, as well as his parents.

His uncle David and aunt Chantelle, who Joe always called aunty , fondly remember his eagerness to help them with jobs, especially if he could earn a bit of cash.

Aunty Chantelle said: "Joe would call round on a Saturday and Sunday morning to deliver the papers for his uncle David so he could save up for his holidays. More often than not he would still be there in the afternoon doing jobs, either gardening or cleaning the car.

"When David was off sick for quite a while Joe would deliver the paper but wouldn't take any money.

"Other times, we would pay him to be quiet even for 10 minutes because he was such a chatterbox."

Joe's cousin, Rebecca, described him as "funny and polite".

She said: "Joe never let his illness stop him from having fun and playing with his friends. He loved fixing bikes and going bike riding with his dad and brother. I have lots of memories of Joe."

Joe's grandparents, John and Margaret, paid their own tribute: "We have so many memories of Joe and his zest for life. He enjoyed school, the plays and concerts and was very enthusiastic."

Granddad Tom and Nana Nora will remember Joe for "fixing our plumbing or showing his dad how to do it".

Uncle Barry and aunty Catherine, and their daughter Stephanie, spoke of Joe's "fantastic smile and brilliant personality", while uncle Jim and aunt Jane, and their two sons, Matt and Tom, recalled how Joe would always respond with the word cool' when asked what he thought of doing something new.

However, the last words goes to Joe's parents who have received hundreds of messages of sympathy and support from the public of Bury and across the country.

They said: "Joe's death has touched so many people and we thank them for their support which has given us great strength to help us cope at this difficult time.

"Joe was a unique young son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend who we miss greatly."

l A teenager accused of murdering Bury schoolboy Joe Geeling reappeared before magistrates in the town on Monday.

The 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested within hours of Joe's body being discovered in a shallow grave in Whitehead Park, Elton, on March 1. Joe, from Devon Street and a pupil at St Gabriel's RC High School, had been stabbed to death.

Making his second appearance at Bury Magistrates' Court, Joe's alleged killer wore a black t-shirt, a grey fleece jacket, grey tracksuit bottoms and blue trainers. He held his mum's hand throughout the five minute hearing.

Magistrates further remanded the youngster to a secure unit until April 10 when the case will be committed to Crown Court.