A heartbroken daughter has told how the last words her “strong and fantastic” dad said to her before he died of cancer were “I love you”.

Brian Carless, 69, who lived in Faversham all his life, died earlier this month following a two-year fight with the disease.

The former mechanic, who had a strong passion for motorbikes and racing, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, in August 2022.

In a touching tribute, daughter Louise Carless described the grandfather-of-four as the “best dad” she could ever wish for.

“He lived in Faversham all of his life. He’s going to be missed by so many in the area,” the 34-year-old said.

“My dad lived, dreamt and spoke about motorbikes. It was his everything.

“My dad was really, really strong. He always hid it, but I knew he was in pain - but he would never show it in front of his grandchildren.

“He was the best dad I could ever wish for and the best grandad to my kids.

“I’m just so proud of him. The last words he said to me were ‘I love you.’”

After going into remission in 2023, the disease returned earlier this year as he received the devastating news it had spread to his spine.

Mr Carless worked as a mechanic most of his adult life in Chilham, near Canterbury, where he worked as a panel beater repairing damaged car bodywork.

But his real passion was for motorcycles, on which he travelled to far-flung places worldwide with close friend Kevin Richards, to compete in events.

Mr Richards would win multiple championships across Europe with Mr Carless, his mechanic for more than 20 years, by his side.

The 77-year-old says they both enjoyed “so much fun together” and he now feels “empty without him”.

“He was just such a fantastic guy,” said Mr Richards.

“We were friends for more than 30 years. I would phone him up every day.

“He was my mechanic and did any repairs that I needed. I actually won multiple races including the Belgium Championship. I couldn't have done that without his help.

“We’d always go and grab a drink together after a race. I just feel empty without him.

“It’s hard to describe how much I’ll miss him. We had so much fun together.”

Mr Richards, who lives in Woodchurch, told KentOnline Mr Carless had an impact on everyone he met and was a well-known Faversham figure.

He died at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford on September 11.

Miss Carless, who currently lives in Sittingbourne but will soon be returning to Faversham, says a funeral date has not yet been set.

But she has confirmed her dad will be cremated at Memoria in Faversham.