A family have been left devastated after a dad-of-two's sudden death.
Gareth Lancaster, from Wigan, has left behind fiancé Tandia, 22-month-old daughter Annie and seven-month-old son Albert. The plumber was aged 29 and his best friend said he was shocked when he found out about his death last Friday.
Aiden Wilson said: “I should have been planning a best man speech not carrying his coffin. When I first heard the news I thought it was a joke, he was fit and healthy.
READ MORE: Mum 'laughed at' by doctors after rushing for help in middle of night
"He was a real family man. He was a workaholic who would work five or six days a week to provide for his family. He was not just my best friend, he was like my brother. He was a caring and energetic lad as well as a loving father who adored his children. Everything he did in his life was for his family. He will be missed by everyone. Life will never be the same again.” - as Manchester Evening News reports.
Gareth was well known by so many in the borough due to his extensive work for GSL and was a beloved regular in the Cherry Gardens Hotel and the Bowling Green pub, where a fundraiser will be held next Thursday (June 23, 7.30pm). His death is another huge loss for the family who are still recovering from the grief of losing Gareth’s mum, Adele, two years ago.
Aiden and his partner Scott Braddock organised the event as well as the GoFundMe page which has already got more than £8,900 to help pay for the funeral and support Gareth’s family. The staff will be working free of charge and items and experiences - donated by dozens of local businesses - will be raffled off for money.
Gareth’s employer GSL provided a large contribution of £3,500 to the GoFundMe, which raised more than £5,000 within 36 hours of being created. The family have been completely blown away by the support of the community and are thankful for all the messages they have received.
Aiden added: "The family are so grateful for all the support. It just shows how popular he really was. What happened was a complete shock and everyone is just trying to do their little bit.
"The family knew he was a popular figure but didn’t truly realise until now. They are really overwhelmed by this support. It also takes off the pressure from his father who is grieving his son as well as his late wife.”
People can done to the fundraiser here.
If you feel distressed and would like to talk to someone, you could call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116123.
Mind can also be contacted on their Infoline: 0300 123 3393.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
