'A quiet man in the shadows who did so much for this Island'

Friends and family pay tribute to Chris Barr

Tributes are being paid to a campaigner described as an 'integral part of' several of the Island's cancer charities following his death.

Chris Barr was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, making him one of only a few hundred men in the British Isles given the diagnosis each year.

A lawyer, he readily gave many free legal advice, and helped patients come to terms with their illness, even throughout his own battle with the disease.

Alongside his husband John, a Filipino nurse, and John's sister Evangelina, Chris helped bring over many Filipinos who now work on the Island in our health and social care sectors.

Over the last few years, he was again diagnosed with cancer and 'despite punishing treatment regimens, he never moaned or complained'.

Paying tribute on Facebook, the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group said: "Our charity has lost our dear friend and colleague Chris Barr who passed away at the weekend. He’s been an integral part of our charities since he first helped us to set them up.

"Always there to help and even though he was going through so much with his own cancer and treatment for so long he helped many patients come to terms with their illness.

"He supported all of our events and enjoyed being a part of them. He absolutely loved being the only man in Breast Cancer Care UK Fashion Show with his designer Union Jack Suit.

"We have so many lovely memories of Chris and will miss him so much. He was full of fun and always ready to take part in our crazy events even being Santa Claus one year for local children .

"Quiet and unassuming in the background but always there to listen and support us all.

"We’ll all miss you so very much Chris, he was a true gentleman. R.I.P - dear friend!"

Here he is sporting his Union Flag suit!

Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Derek Peters and Carole Male from Mannin Cancers and Chris' husband John Artil to hear more about the 'quiet man in the shadows who did so much for this Island':

You can hear the full conversation with John, Derek and Carole in our latest Newscast, available now.