Phil was my stepfather from the age of 4 up until my mid-teens, although the word "stepfather" I feel is a bit of a disservice to the influence and impact Phil had in my life.
The relationship between stepparents and stepchildren can be a tricky one for a number of reasons that those reading will know I'm sure. But there was never any of that friction with Phil who, from the minute I met him, treated me like his own son.
He always made me feel like a part of the family with Anna and Rob, taking me with them on the various holidays, golfing trips and other fun activities we went on as children. He was also responsible for turning me into a diehard Chelsea fan, something I'm particularly grateful for as the alternative would have been supporting Cardiff City for the past 30 odd years...
Even when Phil divorced my Mum around 16 years ago, he always kept in touch, asking me how I was, giving advice when I needed it most, helping me along the way. He didn't have to do that, or any of what I just mentioned. But he did, and that for me sums up Phil and how he treated those he considered family.
Phil, thank you so much for being a second father to me. I'll never forget it. As we say at Stamford Bridge, keep the blue flag flying high (while you're up in the sky)
X
Calum Taylor
04/12/2023
