THE heartbroken sister of the late Lewis Crawford has paid tribute to an "amazing" brother who was known for his great sense of humour and big heart.

Lewis (28) passed away peacefully at his home in Garvary, Enniskillen on June 17 following a lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis.

Describing Lewis as a "cheeky chappy" who was witty and full of one-liners, his older sister, Marnie Crawford – who he lived with – noted how he was also very caring by nature.

"He was definitely cheeky, he got away with stuff that other people wouldn't have," she laughed, adding: "He was very soft-hearted, especially for dogs. His dog, Charlie, was like his baby and never left his side.

"He was just an amazing brother; he was so protective, but his uncle role was most important to him. He was so close with his two wee nephews [Jackson and Coby], but especially Jackson."

Marnie went on to explain how her son, Jackson, would have told his teachers at school that his uncle Lewis was his brother.

"They were super close. They would lie up and play PlayStation together, and you’d hear them giggling away," she said.

Lewis had many close friends, with Marnie comparing them to a "gang of brothers".

"He was so loyal. He would have done anything for any of his friends, and they would have done anything for him. They were just like a wee gang of brothers, and stuck together through everything.”

Since Lewis's passing, his friends have shown great support for the family, and have been a wonderful comfort.

Aside from his love of dogs, clothes, his friends and family, Lewis had one other major interest in life: "He was a massive, massive Rangers fan.

"Massive," Marnie reiterated with a laugh. "His dog's water dish is even a Rangers bowl! He was obsessed with Rangers."

Born with cystic fibrosis, throughout his life Lewis was in and out of hospital receiving treatment.

"Quite often he would have been in hospital for weeks at a time, but no matter what he went through, which was a lot, he never once complained or felt sorry for himself – he was incredibly brave."

Two years ago, Lewis's lungs completely collapsed. Following this he received an emergency double lung transplant.

"Sadly, a few months later, those lungs were rejected, so they were quite badly damaged.

"He never really recovered properly from that, and then four months ago, he had sepsis and double pneumonia, and rejection again.

"After that we knew that there was not much time left, but it was still a massive shock," said Marnie, who went on to share her gratefulness for the medical staff who helped her brother throughout his life.

"They fought so hard for him," she added.

Lewis's funeral was arranged by Austen Stinson of W. T. Morrison Funeral Directors, Enniskillen and took place on Monday, June 21 at Ballycassidy House Funeral Home.

"It was a really lovely send-off," said Marnie, talking about Lewis' funeral. "It was all just perfect for Lewis; it was very true to Lewis, and who he was.”

She noted how comforting it was to see so many people stand out to pay their final respects to Lewis. "It was lovely."

Lewis will always be remembered and missed by his friends and family, and will live on through his friends and family, his brother Jamie, sisters Naomi and Annabelle, and his dear cousin Avril, who was like another sister to him.

"His nephews will grow up remembering him, and doing him proud. It was an honour to have Lewis in our lives."