Robert was born on November 10th 1979 at the City General Maternity Unit to Alan
and Sue Bickerton. His older brother Andrew was 3 at that time. Unlike his older
brother, Robert was a dream. He slept, he ate and he breast fed for England, right
up to 18 months.

The family lived at Kingfisher Crescent Fulford, and Robert joined the other children
at the Mothers and Toddlers Group before starting to school at Fulford. He loved
school and his friends and was very bright.

Alan and Sue saw the size of the family increase when James arrived on 25th March
1987- another non sleeper! Only 7 weeks later on 16th May 1987 Robert suffered
severe head injuries through a tragic road accident. He was taken to North Staffs
Infirmary and put into intensive care. Alan and Sue were told by the doctor that it was
unlikely that he would last the night. He remained unconscious for 2 weeks and
miraculously recovered.

The effect of the head injuries left Robert with learning difficulties, but he was
incredibly determined and worked very hard to keep pace with his friends at school
and his brothers at home.

After leaving Fulford School, Robert went to Painsley High School in Cheadle, where
he was to be very happy and made some wonderful friends. He continued to struggle
with his school work but never gave up and achieved the results he required to move
on to A levels at Moorlands Sixth Form College. With the support from the staff and
particularly the head of sixth form, Jay Trivedi, Robert was to achieve his ambition of
going to University        

At that time he was as happy as he had ever been. He had been going out with Kirsty
for a year and everything seemed to be going well for him at last!
It was Monday September 6th 1999. Having been accepted at Staffs University,
Robert was driving to a meeting with Jay Trivedi at Moorlands to pick up his
references when he was involved in a fatal collision. Despite the attendance of the
Air Ambulance and the Paramedics, Robert died at the scene.


Robert was 6 feet 2 inches with broad shoulders and an even broader smile. He had
an incredible sense of humour and was never happier than attending Bickerton
Family do`s where he would give and take abuse and banter in equal proportion. He
had a very caring nature and wanted to work in the Social Services.

Before leaving Moorlands Sixth Form, his fellow students wrote these remarks about
Robert:

"Very friendly and lively and fun to be around. A good listener and a good friend.
Really easy to talk to"

"He comes across as being sexist but I think he is a really caring and kind individual
who has a great sense of humour"

"Rob has his good and bad moments, but generally he is fun to be around. He puts
on a strong exterior but on the inside he is kind and gentle"

"Always guaranteed to cheer you up, no matter how down you may be"

"If you don't answer a question on media, I won't turn up late! You`re a star and
brighten up sociology lessons. You`re so passionate about sociology!"

"Kind, caring and good fun"     Jay Trivedi


Anyone who had met Robert would never forget him. He was so full of life and fun
and a son and brother to be proud of. How we miss him!