Rochey, I don't know you. I don't know the friend in this thread. I do, however, know cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with you, with your "long term mate" and with the family of your friend, as well as all of their friends and family.
Rest in peace, Paul, rest in peace.
As sofatester said;
Dress smart and stand tall.
Remember the good times.
Let his funeral be a celebration of life, not a mourning of death.
I don't know if music can ever help, but I hope this can;
Nimrod, from the Enigma Variations, by Edward Elgar. Barenboim conducting the CSO
I buried someone I love dearly to this music. Never fails to make me cry, but also it never fails to give me strength.
Stay strong.