TRIBUTES have been paid to a brave and popular firefighter who passed away after a four-year battle with cancer.

Andrew Harris, known as Aggie to friends, died on Wednesday, March 18, at the age of 52.

Andrew was born and raised in Hartley Wintney and is survived by his wife Maria, son Toby and daughter Chloè.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, his funeral will be private and for immediate family members only.

The serviceman worked for Hartley Wintney Fire Station for ten years before becoming an officer at AWE in Aldermaston where he continued to work until his passing.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Graham Bartlett, a friend and his former commander, described Andrew as an "absolutely fantastic man" who would "help anyone out".

The retired fire chief, also from Hartley Wintney, said: "I actually hired him. He took on information really easily and was very knowledgeable. He would always step-up in difficult or demanding situations where perhaps others might take a step back.

"He was a brave firefighter. I visited him three weeks back at St Michael's Hospice and he almost had me in tears. He thanked me for giving him the job."

Graham said the unit at Harley Wintney is like a family with crew members forming a tight bond through their line of work.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Basingstoke Gazette:

Hartley Wintney Fire Service shared the news to their Facebook page on March 28, posting: "It's with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of one of our own.

"Andrew 'Aggie' Harris lost his courageous and valiant four year battle with cancer, aged 52.

"Our thoughts are with Maria, Toby and Chloè at this extremely difficult time."

They signed off the post, writing: "Stand down Firefighter Harris, your doty is done."

Andrew's wish was for money to be donated to St Michael's Hospice. You can leave a donation in his memory here: https://www.love2donate.co.uk/inmemory/identify_name.php.