ROB Giles' mother has opened her heart on his band's website and told of how his death has left her life empty.Margaret Giles has joined other friends, relatives and people who never even knew Rob in paying tribute to the rock guitarist who touched the lives of so many.

ROB Giles' mother has opened her heart on his band's website and told of how his death has left her life empty.

Margaret Giles has joined other friends, relatives and people who never even knew Rob in paying tribute to the rock guitarist who touched the lives of so many.

She had last seen her son two weeks ago, when she left their home in Coddenham to move to Tanzania to start a new life in teaching. For ten years she had been head of music at Farlingaye High School, in Woodbridge.

When she left England, Rob moved with his friend Will to the house in Holland Road, Felixstowe. Early on Wednesday morning fire tore through the house and took both their lives.

Last night Mrs Giles added her thoughts to the guestbook on the Boot50 website, which yesterday became a book of condolences.

She said: "Thank you to everybody who has paid tribute to my wonderful son - your messages are a great comfort to me.

"Rob, I love you so much and am so proud of you. My life will be empty without you."

The outpouring of love and kind words that has followed Wednesday's tragedy is clear glancing through the tributes left on the site.

Many of the words come from friends who were lucky enough to have known Rob during his 18 years of life.

Some come from Boot50 fans who never knew Rob but who loved his band's music and were impressed by his talent whenever they saw him play.

Other messages come from strangers, people who had never heard of Rob or Boot50 but who were touched by news of his death.

Here we print the messages that have been left on the website over the past two days:

Babs: "A parent's worst nightmare is that they may out live their children. How sad I was when I heard of this awful tragedy. I don't know Rob or his friend but as a mother of three boys (aged 18, 20 and 22) the tears filled my eyes when I read of their deaths. But how heartening to know that they had not only done themselves proud but that their families also have no reason to not to feel proud of raising two wonderful young people. They had a purpose and goals to go for – so refreshing these days. Condolences to both families and best of luck Boot50, I hope you carry on I'm sure it's what Rob would have wanted."

Helen Bevis: "To all of Rob's family, I am deeply shocked by the news and give my deepest sympathy. Boot50 played at the Cobden Club the same time as my birthday, and everyone around that night remarked on his strong talent within the group. Although not a personal friend, I can't help but be touched by such a tragedy. My heart goes out to you."

Pete: "I saw Rob and Boot50 play several times recently. A real talent that will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you."

Siofra: "Great guitarist with it all ahead of him. Don't know what to say except it is dreadfully sad. He'll be missed by friends and fans alike."

Nicola: "Rob was a great guitarist, friend and entertainer. He will be greatly missed."

Ryan Glaser: "I am so sorry to hear the tragic news of Rob. My sincere condolences and best wishes."

Viki: "I knew Rob a number of years ago – he's someone that I certainly will never forget. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him past and present. You will be greatly missed Rob."

Jemma Low: "I didn't Rob know at all but reading the papers, listening to the news brings tears to my eyes and my family. I would like to give my regards and condolences to Robs' family and friends, hoping that you will remember the happy times that you had with him. I was outside his house when they said that he had gone. Loads of people around me couldn't help but to cry and let out all of their emotions."

Chris Liddard: "Well, I think everyone else has mentioned how I feel really. I can only but remember all the times I saw him play, and how happy he looked. Regards."

Carolyn: "Don't quite know what to say but feel the need to say something, so here goes … it's strange how close you feel to somebody when you watch their gigs and follow their success, but don't actually know them as a friend as such. Having known the band for many years I could easily see the very obvious talent and personality that Rob brought with him. He will be missed more than words can say. I am shocked and saddened more than I could imagine, and my sympathy goes out to all of his friends and family."

Helena: "He has been a great friend over the last year that I have known him. He gave advice when things went wrong for me. Although I have only seen Boot50 play a few times I could see that he was a great guitarist and from knowing him personally, he was also a great character. You could always rely on him to make you smile. It is something as tragic as this that makes you appreciate the friends that you meet along the way and what little time that we all have. I think the greatest tribute to Rob would be for Boot50 to go on and further their success. I'm sure he'll be looking down on you through your whole journey. Rob will be greatly missed."

Dan Giles: "Whenever I think of Rob, all I can see is him sitting outside a tent and playing the Verve's Lucky Man, with everyone singing along. He could always make me smile. To a true talent, and a good friend."

Kate Talmadge: "I knew Rob since he was very young and will always remember the numerous times he made me and his friends laugh. I can't believe such a sad thing has happened and will certainly never forget him. Reading the other comments, it is clear that many people respected him and recognised his musical talent."

Sarah Giles: "From a cute blond little boy, who I played with when only a few years old, to a tall, wonderful, kind, clever, musical young man who had the nicest personality in the whole world. I will never forget our friendship, and the good times which were had. I am sorry I didn't see him more recently. I just can't believe what happened, I was speechless for ages, I have cried many tears, but will always remember Rob for all the good things about him. Why him?"

Natalie: "Rob was one of those people in life who was given a great talent in music. Whenever I think of him, I'll think of his love for music and his humour which showed at the funniest of times. You'll be greatly missed Rob!"

Kay: "Words can't describe how I feel. Rob you were great, miss ya loads."

Paul Roche: "Rob was a good guy and he didn't deserve that. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Zeidi: "I did not know Rob personally but as so many people have already said, he was a very talented guy. I can just picture him on stage having fun, so happy, so talented. This sad news has touched so many of us who didn't even know Rob closely and my heart goes out to all of Rob's family and friends, he will be greatly missed."

Coverely Family: "Our thoughts and prayers are with you Margaret, at this tragic loss of your dear son, Rob. With much love from us all."

Jennie: "I was at Colchester on Monday watching Boot50 with my mum and friends and Marcus signed my skateboard. I had an excellent time and thought that your band were great. I remember that Rob was a brilliant guitarist and am very sad to hear this news. I hope Boot50 will still play as they are one of my favourite bands."

N To read the tributes or leave your own go to www.boot50.co m