Tributes have flooded in for a well-known chef and dad who has died, aged 36.
Dave Hunter, better known as 'Big Dave', died on Friday, September 2, with hundreds paying tribute to the chef who worked at Auberge Brasserie on Seabank Road in Southport. The dad-of-one died of health complications in hospital, with friends paying tribute to the "lovely" chef.
A Lord Street bar and restaurant, House of Ivy, paid tribute last week, it said: "We have a pot behind the bar for our good friend Dave Hunter who sadly passed last week to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, as per David’s family wishes.
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"If you’re in with us or passing then please pop in and help us raise some money for him! The staff will also be adding their tips too
"We have also set up a Gofundme page to donate to: https://gofund.me/c2258586. If you knew Dave, this is the perfect money tin for him."
Jeff Cavanagh posted: "[A] kind, generous [and] truly a lovely person. Dave was the kind of guy that would give you his last £1, he was always helping others and asking for nothing in return I was blessed to call him a friend RIP David Hunter, much love."
Danny Molloy and Shannon Thomas told the ECHO: "When we lose someone we love, We must learn not learn to live without them but to live with the love they have left behind. For all of us who knew Dave, knew he had biggest heart in Southport. He will truly be missed."
Eva Smith said: "Dave was the kindest soul, he was there for everybody no matter what they needed. His loss has effected so many as he had a special place in all of our hearts. To lose a man like Dave, is to lose a true hero in this world. We all miss you, Dave."
More than 100 tributes were left on social media, with Maya Haworth writing: "You were such a special friend to me Dave. I’m going to miss you forever and ever. And miss scribbling 'I love yous' all over your kitchen stock order lists in sacra.
"I’m truly heartbroken. I love you forever and I’ll never forget the chats we used to have or the laughs. Big Dave you’ll never leave my heart."
Posted alongside his funeral details, Dave's funeral said: "In celebration of our beloved David. Father to Lydia, son to Julie and David, brother to Lucy, Sophie, Joshua, Eilis and Tom. Uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by all of his family."
The service is set to take place at West Lancashire Crematorium on Pippin Street, Burscough before the reception at The Richmond in Southport.
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