TRIBUTES have been paid to a Bude teenager, who passed away last Thursday.

Talan Penny, 19, was living with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that just a few people are diagnosed with every year.

However, his illness never deterred his positivity and willingness to lead a normal life. Described as a ‘sporty, enthusiastic and active individual’, Talan really was a popular member of the community in Bude — a friend to everyone.

Among his achievements, Talan completed his lifeguard qualification with Bude Surf Life Saving Club, and also became a qualified paddle sport coach. Talan began studying a BTEC sport course at Budehaven sixth form, and was interested in pursuing a career with the Royal Air Force.

Friends and family wanted to show as much support as possible, so ‘Talan’s Journey’ was set up — updating the community on Talan’s progress and achievements, and also allowing him to do the things he has wanted to do.

A cherished individual in Bude, a number of fundraising events and challenges took place, by virtue of the local community and Talan’s friends and family.

Last year saw a variety of events, from raffles to nights out, from walks and cycles to sporting events — huge numbers of people from Bude have turned out, organised and supported events to show their support for Talan.

On March 25, 2016, a charity raffle night was held at BED nightclub, raising £4,610 to alleviate financial pressures on the Penny family.

In May the same year, a sponsored darts marathon took place at Bude Social Club, raising £1,550, and siblings Samuel and Poppy Jennings went on to walk the length of the Cornish coast path later that month, raising £3,507 to be split between Talan, Benny Bennett and CLIC Sargent.

Based in Bude, the mountain bike club, Dept 26, rode over 120-miles from Minehead to Plymouth, raising over £1,000 for Talan and Cancer Research UK.

This is just a taste of what the Bude community has been able to do to support Talan and his family, giving something back to a kind, loveable and unique individual, who was loved by all.

Fundraising allowed Talan to spend some quality time with his loved ones, as well as taking part in some amazing activities.

An update was given near the end of 2016 on the Talan’s Journey Facebook page about what Talan had been getting up to.

He was able to take a trip to Amsterdam with his sister, Tegan, and cousins, Amber and Jake, and was able to drive a Ferrari at Thurxton Race Course, as well as a Porsche. He also spent a day at Longleat Safari Park with family.

A charity Zumba night also helped raise money to install a shed in the family garden for Talan, providing a relaxing and private environment and allowing him to invite friends over, watch television, play Xbox and spend important time with family, whilst retaining some form of independence as an 18-year-old.

Talan passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 4, with his mother, Sarah, and sister, Tegan, by his side.

Hannah Adamson, a close family friend, told the Post: “He was the most wonderful and kind young man, who really was loved and cherished by all.

“Talan was, and through our love and memories, will always be, remembered as the fun, happy and wonderful young man that he was. Talan truly had a heart of gold and he touched the lives of anyone he met with laughter, love and friendship. He carried his enthusiastic and positive aura with him wherever he was, and I know the Bude community will agree.

“He is so loved by so many and not a day will go by where he is forgotten. He is our guardian angel now; in our hearts forever, Tal.”

Talan’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, May 16, at 2pm at St Michael’s Church, Bude, followed by a service at Bodmin Crematorium at 4.30pm.

Described as a treasured son, brother, grandson and friend, the family is inviting the community to join them in celebrating Talan’s life, and, at his request — ‘please dress your best!’