Shoreham Airshow disaster: 8 brides give their memories of chauffeur Maurice Abrahams

Maurice pours champagne for Roberto Demaisip and his wife Lisezl, on their wedding day on May 7, 2004, after offering to escort them on his day off at a cut price of £100.

Mr Demaisip, 46, of Telscombe Cliffs, said: “He was so genuine, he had an infectious smile. It was a lovely surprise for my wife.

"He stayed with us the whole day, taking us to our reception at St John the Baptist hall and giving us champagne.”

Picture: James Pike Photography

I’ve never met anyone like him before

JUST before Natalie Bowyer’s wedding to Stan Baker at the Sompting United Reformed Church on June 27, chauffeur Maurice Abrahams offered sage advice she said she would never forget: “Live life to the full. Never let anything stop you.”

Mrs Baker, 21, said: “He was the type of guy who just knew what to say at the right time. I was so nervous and he kept me calm through it all. I have never met anyone like him.”

Picture: Tony Dorey

He was so professional

CARLY Sayce, who was born in Brighton before moving to Seaford, will always remember how Maurice appeared “out of nowhere” at the side of the church door, just before she was about to enter.

He had a bottle of water and advised her to take a sip. 

The 32-year-old, who married Peter on September 4, 2010, at St Andrew’s Church, Bishopstone, said: “Maurice didn’t want me to go in there with a dry mouth. He was so professional.”

He wished us a long and happy marriage

“UNLESS something happens to me, I will always turn up”, Maurice told Alex Luxton days before her wedding in 2010.

Mrs Luxton, 30, of Hove, who married Stephen on May 8, 2010, at St Peter’s Church, Hangleton, said he kept to his promise and on the day wished the newly-wed couple every happiness, as he had been so blessed with his own long and happy marriage.

She and her daughter witnessed the Hawker Hunter crash on Saturday and later realised Maurice was a victim.

He was so proud of his car

Darryl Jeal, of Woodingdean, married Amy, also of Woodingdean, on April 12 last year at St Margaret’s Church in Rottingdean.

The 42-year-old said: “We lived around the corner from Maurice and saw him driving the car so looked him up for our wedding.

"He was so proud of his car, he was often out polishing it late. He got us cans of vodka and lemonade for after the wedding as we didn’t like champagne.”

We were lucky to have him

MAURICE provides shawls for bridesmaids Hannah Dickens and Hollie Strudwick when the weather turns at the wedding of Scott and Deborah Mercado at Swallows Oast, Ticehurst, on May 26, 2006.

Mr Mercado, 45, of Portslade, said: “We were so lucky to have him as a chauffeur. The car was absolutely immaculate.

“On the wedding day my wife recalls how patient he was even though she was running late. He just smiled and said he would do his best to get them there on time and he did.”

A perfect gentleman

Ericka Davies-Budgen, who married Thomas on July 4, at Eastbourne Register Office, said Maurice was the “perfect gentleman”.

The 24-year-old, of Telscombe Cliffs, added: “He showed me how to get in and out of the car while looking elegant. Hiring him and the car was such a lovely surprise from my dad. He made the day perfect.”

Courteous, friendly and very kind

DAN Viviani, 38, of Mile Oak, said Maurice came to the rescue with green and white umbrellas when the heavens opened as he married Marie on July 17, 2004, at St Peter’s Church in Portland Road, Hove.

He said he was “courteous, friendly with a kind natural manner”.

Maurice beams in the background as Marie poses for a picture with her father before the service.

Picture: Edward Reeves of Lewes

• Did Maurice chauffeur you to a special event? Email news@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544539.