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Family's pride over mural of 'big, friendly giant'

John Brayin Attleborough Green, Nuneaton
The mural of Eliot was created by Leamington Spa-based artist Mig 29

Family and friends gathered for the unveiling of a mural to honour the life of a man "who touched a lot of people's hearts".

Eliot Boland, 39, was diagnosed with cancer five-and-a-half years ago and died in February.

"It's very, very emotional seeing that," said his mum Ann.

"He was a very, very big character in the community. He was a perfect gentleman. He was six foot four. Everybody loved him. He always had the time of day for everybody."

A mural of a man sat on rocks, with the sunset behind, playing a guitar. Stood in front are three men, a boy and a woman. The man on the left has grey hair, blue coat and blue jeans with a blue and white top. Next to him is a woman with grey hair, green coat and white t-shirt with blue jeans. Next to her a man with a khaki gillet and brown top and dark trousers. Next to him a man in glases with a crean gillet and white top. He is wearing glasses and in front of him is a young boy in a black top
Eliot's mum and dad, Mark and Ann, were joined at the unveiling by his brothers Ashley and Lance with nephew Rio
A mural of a man sat on rocks, with the sunset behind, playing a guitar. In front in a boy with ginger hair wearing a blue and purple Barcelona football shirt. Next to him is a woman in a black top with long brown hair
Eliot's wife Jenna thanked Brian Horsley, Ian Davidson and James Bennett for organising the mural on the side of Attleborough Liberal Club
A mural of a man sat on rocks, with the sunset behind, playing a guitar. In front of the wall is a boy is a blue and purple Barcelona shirt with Eliot and 39 on the back in yellow
Stepson Freddie has a new football shirt with Eliot and 39 on the back to honour his stepfather

Eliot's wife Jenna, who described the mural as "incredible", said it was based on a photograph of her engineer husband in Barmouth, Wales.

"Eliot was such a kind, loving human and it's so lovely to see how many hearts he touched," she said.

"I chose this photo because it's so special to me. His smile of course says it all. This was taken when we went out one evening while away in Barmouth to take photos for an album cover. Barmouth is so special to us and it's where Eliot proposed to me.

She added: "It's the perfect dedication to a wonderful young man, who I was lucky enough to call mine."

A group shot of men and women stood in front of a mural. They are holding a poster which shows a man sat on rocks, playing a guitar. On the poster are the words Our Billy. Warrior. One Love. You'll never walk along
Eliot's mum Ann said her son "fought and fought and fought"
About 80 people stood in front of a mural of a man sat on rocks, with the sunset behind
About 80 people turned out for the official unveiling of the mural

Eliot's mum Ann said: "My son touched a lot of people's hearts. He was just just like a BFG, a big friendly giant, because he was so tall. And he was always so happy right up to his final day. He always had a smile on his face and he fought and fought and fought."

She added: "My husband and I are just absolutely overwhelmed with the support and the love and his brothers Lance, Ashley and Sam feel the same too."

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