Robin Gibb death: Isle of Man charity pays tribute

Robin Gibb and his wife Dwina opened a hospice facility for children in 2008

A Manx charity has paid tribute to Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb who has died following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Sir Miles Walker, from Hospice Isle of Man, said he would be greatly missed by everyone at the charity.

Gibb, who died aged 62, was born at the Jane Crookall Maternity Hospital, Douglas, in 1949. He was described as a "compassionate and popular" man.

Sir Miles said: "Robin had a quiet and shy way about him, and everyone enjoyed having him as one of the locals.

"Our heart-felt support goes out to his family and friends on this very sad day."

The Gibb brothers were all born in the Isle of Man, although the family later moved to Manchester and Australia.

'Magical' island

Robin Gibb owned a home in the west of the island near Peel, where he and his wife Dwina returned to for holidays.

In 2009, along with his brothers, Maurice (posthumously) and Barry, he was made a Freeman of the Borough of Douglas, the island town of their birth.

Barry and Robin Gibb both attended the event which was held at the Town Hall.

Speaking in an interview in 2009, Robin Gibb said: "The Isle of Man is ancient, mystical and magical, that is why I have always loved this place."

Robin Gibb received Freedom of the Borough of Douglas in 2009

In 1998, the Bee Gees raised thousands of pounds for a Manx children's charity by recording a version of Ellan Vannin, the unofficial Manx national anthem.

In 2008, Robin Gibb did another recording, this time featuring the choir from King William's college in Castletown.

His association with the Isle of Man Hospice brought much publicity for the charity and in 2009, Gibb officially opened a new facility for the organisation called Rebecca House, a hospice especially for children.