‘Amazing’ dad died on holiday

Dad–of–two Darren Sebastian Finch, 41, of Darley Dale, died while on holiday in Tenerife at the end of last month.

His wife, Nicola said: “He was an amazing person who was always so positive. He loved being around people – he was definitely the life and soul of the party. I miss him like crazy but, like so many people, I’m honoured to have known Darren. I have so many happy memories of him. I’ll always miss Darren.”

Nicola said her brave husband was a keen adventurer who enjoyed travelling, camping and climbing.

He also enjoyed music and loved spending time with his family, including his two young children, Mitchell and Brooke.

Former carpenter Darren, who was brought up in Bolsover, was diagnosed with the devastating illness in November 2012.

He adopted a macrobiotic diet – consisting of whole grains and vegetables – which kept the cancer at bay but tragically it returned in December.

Two months before his diagnosis, Darren and his family bought their house on Northwood Lane in the Peak District village and, with the help of friends and relatives, worked to renovate it into their dream home.

Now, Nicola is collecting funds to help complete works to her garden, transforming it into a lasting memorial to Darren.

Nicola said: “It will be the perfect way to remember him.”

Darren’s funeral will be held at Brimington Crematorium at 3.30pm on Thursday, April 17. It will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Proact Stadium in Chesterfield. On Facebook, hundreds of people have paid tribute to Darren. Steve Wright said: “A beacon of light, love, fun and positivity has been extinguished. Our world is now a darker and duller place because of that.”

Claire Barton said: “Darren is such an inspiration to us all.”

Corrina Thurtell added: “Will always remember Darren as a top lad, such a laugh.”

To read more about Darren’s fight and to find out how to donate to help his memorial garden become a reality, visit www.facebook.com/FinchsFight