Tributes have flooded in across social media following the death of a popular Derry man following a battle with cancer.
Ciaran Caldwell was well known across the city for his honest discussions about his journey with cancer and his uplifting spirit.
Whilst going through treatment in the Sperrin Suite in Altnagelvin Hospital, Ciaran organised a fundraising football match last year to help give back to those who treated him during his cancer journey.
His willingness to give back to others in the darkest of times was what made an impression on so many in the local area.
Derry restaurant The Old Docks said: "Rest in Peace Ciaran Caldwell, a regular with us here in The Old Docks and a good friend to all staff and friends alike. From Sean, Liam and the Old Docks Family."
Derry and Buncrana parkrun paid tribute to Ciaran, who volunteered for them regularly.
Derry parkrun said: "We were shocked and saddened today to hear of the death of Ciaran Caldwell. Ciaran contributed to Derry City parkrun from its earliest events.
"He was known for his support and encouragement of every participant. Many a runner will remember being loudly encouraged to “EMPTY THE TANK!” as they struggled towards the finish line.
"When Buncrana parkrun launched in the Autumn of 2017, he was there from the start. He helped them build their core-team of volunteers, both volunteering himself and mentoring others in the various roles.
"Ciaran epitomised the spirit of parkrun in the way that he strove to make our events welcoming, inclusive and encouraging for everyone who attended. His presence will be greatly missed."
Friend Billy Scampton said: "To say I am beyond sadness is an understatement and in my heart of hearts this is a post I have prayed so hard I would never have had to make.
"I have known Ciaran for 30+ years from the Students Union to the days of Magee Celtic when we trained in the car park, had no pitch and yet won so many Irish University Football Union trophies leading the way in University soccer in the early 1990s.
"We really did lose one of the good guys and one most caring, kind human being you could ever hope to meet in ‘Big Codsy’."
Ciaran's cousin, Grainne McAnee paid tribute through a touching poem.
An excerpt read: "It was a sunny Saturday morning in May,
"The flowers were in bloom,
"The birds sang,
"Two robins flitted about outside
"The room where you died.
"Peacefully.
"The world though brightly lit, by the perfect sunny day
"Is now darker, and sadder,
"And changed forever.
"Never has a life seemed far too short.
"But what a big, warm, beautiful life you lived.
"If love could have saved you
"You would have lived forever my friend.
"I will see you reflected in the eyes of those who loved you most.
"Your kindness lives in us who knew you.
"So all of Derry then.
"All you wanted was for everyone to be ok.
"And to put a smile on everyone's face.
"That was your mission.
"And you did it well.
""One of life's true gentle men."
Grainne also went on to thank Foyle Hospice nurse Karen Mc Caughan, who she described as "an actual earth angel."
Grainne said: "She was immensely good to him and moved heaven and earth to get him a bed on Friday so we could get him sorted to be able to die pain-free."
Ciaran's funeral is due to take place on Tuesday, May 17 at St Columba's Church, Longtower for requiem mass at 10am, with interment afterwards in City Cemetery.
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