Family of 'everyone's friend' Simon Daniels pay tribute to him

On Wednesday (October 23), Greater Manchester Police officers sadly recovered the body of a man in Dovestone Reservoir, following a search that initially began on Sunday.

He has now been formally identified as Simon Daniels from Cheshire - a man who his family have described as 'having the power to bring everyone together'.

After police were alerted that two people got into difficulty in the water, an extensive multi-agency emergency search including the Coastguard and Mountain Rescue was launched, all working hard to locate Simon. 

One person was recovered from the water and taken to hospital.

Police officers appreciate the public’s support in enabling search teams to carry out their work, they understand the inconvenience this may have caused over the last few days at Dovestone Reservoir, but it was important GMP conducted a full and thorough search for Simon.

Simon’s family have said: “Simon is our world, he’s funny, unpredictable and has a heart as big as an ocean. 

“His larger than life and his crazy personality lit up every room and his love, kindness and inspiration touched so many people who he met.

“Simon was a friend to everyone, nobody was a stranger in his eyes.

“His passions were fitness and the gym and helping others to become the best version of themselves.

“His heart was pure and he was unapologetically himself.

"Funny doesn’t cut it. He was hilarious.

"He had this power to bring everyone together.

"He just wanted everyone to be friends.

“He loved life and even at the darkest of times he still managed to light up the room.

“The community have also shown how much they loved Simon, church bells have rang in his memory along with fireworks.

"We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was in our local community.”

Simon’s family have asked for privacy while they grieve his loss.

A report is being prepared for the corner.

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