TRIBUTES are pouring in for a Uley farm worker who died on Monday

Kai Hannis, 18, from Stroud, worked at Lye Farm in Uley which is run by Gary Clift.

Mr Clift was recently the victim of a violent burglary during which he was attacked and left blind in one eye. Kai was his runner and Mr Clift thought of him like a son. 

His colleagues at the farm described him as the ‘sunshine’ of the yard. 

Nicola Turner-Sterling, who worked with Kai, said: “He was such a happy chappy, always smiling and chatty. 

“Kai was amazing with Gary, helped him so much after he got attacked, as he has been in and out of hospital. Gary couldn't have kept his farm going, with baby calves to be fed, without him. 

“He was such an amazing young man, we wish he had known how much people had cared for him, perhaps he would have stayed in the world.” 

Friends are gathering to pay their respects at the Globe Inn in Stonehouse on Saturday at 5pm, when lanterns will be let off to celebrate his life. 

Heartfelt messages are being paid to the former Maidenhill School pupil, who lived off Parliament Street in Stroud. 

Pam Wilson, head teacher at Maidenhill, said: “We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Kai’s death.” 

“Kai left Maidenhill in July 2013, but is remembered very fondly by both students and staff. 

“He was extremely popular with both his peers and younger students; he always had a smile on his face and was at all times positive and cheerful. 

“In his mixed age tutor group Kai was very caring and supportive of younger students. As a member of the school rugby team, he was an exceptional sporting role model – reliable, committed and self-motivated. 

“He touched a lot of students and was a real asset to our school community. Such a sad loss.” 
Dozens of floral tributes have also been left at his beloved Mk2 Volkswagen Golf, which he spent hours modifying himself. 

In a touching sign of solidarity his friends have pledged to group together and finish building the car for him. 

Anyone who would like to pay tribute to Kai is welcome to email tla@stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk