This tribute to Dan was captured following us all talking about our memories of Dan and what he meant to us. Those involved were Heather, Craig, Issy, Ronnie, Gabby, Jane, Luke, Jessica, Scott, Rachel, Dom, Sam, Mick, Nicola and Kev. “A few of us got together to talk about how much Dan meant to us all and our thoughts about him and I am going to share some of them with you. Dan was the heart and soul of our group of friends, he was a huge part of what kept us all together and helped to make us the extended family that we are today. Dan lived life in such a positive way, he welcomed everyone, loved openly, was never judgemental, made time for everyone and made you feel special. He was totally unique. We are so grateful to Dan for teaching us how to be good friends, to not be afraid to give cuddles whenever you feel like giving them and to tell the people you love that you love them whenever you see them. Whoever Dan met, wherever they met him, they would have walked away in that moment with a better feeling than before they had met him. People have been in touch to pay their respects who had only met Dan once or twice because that was the impact he had on people. Dan loved spending time with his friends, whatever the occasion, he was always first to the bar to buy the biggest round of drinks and last to leave (even if he had been asleep in the corner for the last half an hour or more!). On big occasions he would get so excited that he would be ready and waiting to go hours before it started and would often ring round and chat to others who were going to see if they could meet a little earlier, because he simply couldn’t wait to get started. We shared so many good times, weddings, christenings, birthdays, festivals, parties for the sake of having a party, endless nights down town ending in a rave, hotpants at the city hall or the leadmill, far too many to mention but Scott would like to share a story with us all [At Rob’s wedding Scott went to the bar to buy a pint, the bar staff said sorry mate we can’t serve you you’re too drunk. Scott knew he’d had a drink but didn’t think he was that bad, he challenged the barman but was still refused a drink. Scott went to Adam and complained that the barman had refused to serve him because he was too drunk, so Adam went to the bar to ask for two pints, however the barman said, sorry but I can’t serve you you’re too drunk. Again Adam was surprised as he didn’t think he was that bad so he asked the barman what do you mean I’m too drunk! The barman said the manager has told us not to serve the lad with long hair. Adam turned round and saw Dan standing with his head resting on the end of the bar and said to the barman, I think your manager means that guy, pointing at Dan. They laughed at the misunderstanding and Adam asked for three pints, gave one to Scott and walked over handing one to Dan saying there you go mate!] A huge part of what made Dan the man he was were the wonderful Marie and Roger, who loved their amazing son so much and were so so proud of him. They always made his friends so welcome and embraced us all as part of the family. Dan once said to his Dad after helping friends out, “Thank you for being my Dad” and Roger said “Thank you for being my son and bringing all these beautiful people in to our lives”. Marie and Roger taught Dan how to live and love and he excelled at it. When Dan met Ayesha he truly found his soulmate, we were all so happy that Dan had managed to find someone as special as him. She has the kindest heart, is so generous, caring and beautiful. They really were the perfect couple and we all grew to love Ayesha almost as much as Dan did. When they had Joy their little family was complete and she always lives up to her name bringing so much joy and happiness to everyone. You could see in Dan’s face just how much he loved Joy and how immensely proud of her he was and how proud he was of himself and Ayesha that they created such a wonderful, clever and beautiful little girl. Marie, Ayesha and Joy we all love you very much and will be here for you forever. Someone once said how good it would be if death could give us 24 hours’ notice, just so you could see how appreciated you were as an individual. This statement would be so true for so many but it is not the case for Dan. He knew just how loved he was by so many people and how much he meant to them. Losing Dan has given us all a huge shock and made us all realise exactly how much we mean to each other and that we need to make the most of being together and make many more happy memories. There are lots of groups of friends and family here today so let’s all remember to respect and look after each other the way Dan would have done. Let’s all try to Be More Dan. We will love you and miss you forever mate xxxxx”