THE tragically early death of North Tyne farmer and rugby player Stu Ridley on Tuesday at the age of 25 has sparked unprecedented outpourings of grief and anguish not only in Tynedale, but across the world.

It is impossible to read the hundreds of messages and tributes on social media without a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye.

Stu was a remarkable young man, whose ready smile and impish sense of humour made him a firm favourite with everyone who knew him, and it was cruel indeed that he was cut down in the prime of life.

But his courage and fortitude as he stared death in the face brought the tough worlds of rugby and farming together as never before, as they combined to launch the Stay Strong Stu campaign, which in five short months raised over £200,000 for brain tumour research.

There has always been a strong link between Tynedale Rugby Club and the farming community, with generations of farming sons following their brothers, fathers and grandfathers into Tynedale blue and white.

As the t-shirts said, the rugby community indeed stood with Stu not only locally, but across the world, with a minute’s silence observed in faraway Dubai just hours after his death was announced.

When internationally known figures such as World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson, England cricket captain Alistair Cook, world record holding hurdler Colin Jackson and television personalities like Stephen Fry express their support, it is clear that Stu was something very special, as evidenced by the St. James’s Park style roar which greeted his arrival at this year’s young farmers rally at Bellingham.

His family too have handled the terrible circumstances which beset them with quiet dignity and enormous courage and compassion, and the Tynedale community’s hearts go out to them all.

Rest in peace Stu.