A Bolton Pride hero has died at the age of 32, leaving friends and family in shock just days before Christmas.
Friends and LGBT allies have been paying tribute to Bolton Pride hero Darren Batey who died at the age of 32. He was described as being instrumental to Bolton’s first pride event in October.
Details surrounding his death are incredibly scarce and no real details have been made public. He leaves behind his parents, sister and other family members.
Tributes have been pouring since the news of his death, with Coronation Street star Antony Cotton, calling Darren a “sweet prince”.
Absolutely devastated to hear of the death of our friend @darren_batey. Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest
— Antony Cotton MBE (@antonycotton) December 21, 2015
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend @darren_batey. Our thoughts are with his family & many people who knew & loved him
— OutdoorLads (@OutdoorLads) December 22, 2015
Sending our love and support to Darren Batey's family. We were so lucky to have him as part of our team this year x pic.twitter.com/en8EPnQ763
— Pride Bolton (Bolton Pride) (@BoltonPride) December 22, 2015
A crowdfunding appeal has been launched to help give the campaigner a good farewell. So far the fund has raised over £5000.
Meet @darren_batey he is our Volunteers Manager. If you would like to help out email darren@boltonpride.com pic.twitter.com/j44ns9FKE3
— Pride Bolton (Bolton Pride) (@BoltonPride) October 13, 2015
David Apsley-Thompson, who organised the fund, wrote:
“Darren touched the lives of so many people all over the world and had an amazing ability to bring people together.
“His commitment to third sector fundraising and volunteering was beyond selfless and the impact he has had on so many lives is immeasurable and invaluable.
“Darren sadly passed away over the weekend and has left a huge void in so many of our hearts, no one more so than his parents, sisters and family in Cumbria.
“Darren put so many others before himself every day of his life, and now it’s time to give back a little piece of the love he gave us all to help support his family through this difficult time and ensure Darren gets the send off he deserves.”
