A dad of two died suddenly just weeks after marrying his partner of eight years.
Michael James Leicester, known as Mike by friends and family, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, January 20. The 37-year-old from Warrington had only married his partner of eight years, Amy Leicester, exactly one month before his death.
Mike was a self employed handyman and leaves behind his two sons, Riley, 11, and Alfie 10. He was described as the "number one handy man in Warrington" by his devastated family as they paid tribute to their "gentle giant".
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Amy told The ECHO: "Mike was a hard working gentle soul who did everything to provide for his two boys. He would do anything to help anyone if he could.
"He ran his own handyman business for the last four years which was a huge success and he was so proud. Mike's biggest passion in life after being a family man was rugby, he played from being young starting at Grappenhall griffins, eventually settling at his home Woolston Rovers.
"He did have to stop playing due to an injury, but would get his boots out every so often for charity matches then not be able to walk for a week. The whole family are just completely heartbroken but the support from friends, family and the whole community has helped just seeing how loved he truly was."
Mike's mum, Lynn Leicester, added the 37-year-old "lived for his boys" and that the world would be a "sadder place without him".
She said: "His family meant the absolute world to him. He left behind many of friends and family who have all got fantastic stories, they will leave us all with a fantastic legacy.
"He even told his son's he was famous because they used to say 'god dad you know everybody' of with he'd reply 'because I'm famous'.
"He will be very sadly miss by me and his step dad, Derek, of whom he thought the world of. His beloved sister Claire and brother Thomas, will stand together and make there big brother proud.
"The world will surely be a sadder place with out him."
Mike's children Riley and Alfie said they would "miss their Daddy" along with his beloved English Bull Dogs who were "always by his side.
Carl Davies, one of Mike’s best friends, spoke fondly of memories they made while on holiday and on stag doo's.
He said: "Came back to Warrington Sunday straight to The Kings Dead till 10pm. He was so proud to say 'I'm made of different stuff'.
"Geez mate you certainly knew how to celebrate life. Taxi rides and carpool karaoke, the drivers face was a belter."
Another best friend, Richard Potts, added: "I knew mike through rugby and work. Even though he's a little older than me he took me under his wing and did loads together. He did anything I ever asked of hium, helped when I was down, skint, needed work, or just a pint - that would turn into several.
"Absolute beast of a bloke, one of my best friends and he is a fabulous father, hubby and did everything for his family and friends."
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Mike's cousin, Kirsty, to help the family pay for funeral costs. Mike was self employed meaning there is no financial support for his family.
Kirsty said: "Both Amy and Mike are self employed therefore will not receive bereavement pay. We are raising money to help with funds for his funeral and to help his family at this sad time.
"Any contribution will be greatly appreciated and I'm sure with the amount of people's lives he touched in and left a much loved lasting effect on we will smash this and make him proud."
The family have already raised £7,500, with Mike's mum wanting to thank the public for their generosity.
She said: "We cannot thank the people who have supported us with all there kind words and love, especially the generosity of the GoFundMe page ,which as passed all our expectations. He [Mike] absolutely adored his cousin Kirsty and her partner Ash.
"We will be forever grateful of there help with the sad passing of our gentle giant, with a heart as big as a lions."
To donate to Mike's GoFundMe page click here.
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