IT WAS a moving tribute, that touched the hearts of a nation, not just the local community.

Two weeks after their son had been killed, grief-stricken parents Tom and Gwen Geeling talked for the first time and exclusively to the Bury Times about their personal loss.

They described Joe as a chatterbox, inquisitive, an adventurer and a brave youngster who refused to let the cystic fibrosis he had suffered from since birth prevent him from living his life to the full.

"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 regularly needed 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.

He had a passion for motorbikes, and was also a Manchester City supporter.

Gwen said: "We did not wrap him in cotton wool, and he did not let his illness restrict him.

"He could ride his bike well and fix it and he always had every weekend planned from the start.

"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."

Tom added: "Joe loved school, although it was a very big effort for him to get there.

"He did not want anyone to know how ill he was, and he would not realise how different he was to other children.

"I will always remember him for being a chatterbox and a prankster, but he was also so considerate. He was my best mate."

One of Tom and Gwen's toughest tasks was to explain what had happened to Joe's younger brother, James, who is now aged seven.

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

As well as James, Joe had another older brother, Sean, and two elder sisters, Kelly and Dannielle.

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."

His uncle David and aunt Chantelle, fondly remembered his eagerness to help them with jobs, especially if he could earn a bit of cash.

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."

Following Joe's death, his family were inundated with thousands of messages of sympathy and support, not just from residents in Bury but across Britain and from abroad.

Tom and Gwen 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."