TRIBUTES have flooded in for a ‘lovely’ and ‘talented’ Donaghadee man who passed away recently after being diagnosed with cancer.
Daniel Donnan was taken to hospital after he suddenly fell ill last week in the gym. Medical tests revealed the 20 year-old had testicular cancer and he passed away on March 13 surrounded by his loved ones.
In a statement, the Donnan family described Daniel as a ‘much-loved’ son, brother, nephew, grandson and boyfriend and are urging other young people ‘never to doubt’ any health concern they have and to ‘always get checked out in case’.
“We do not want any other family to experience the same heart break we have in the last week and in the future to come” said the family statement.
“Daniel was a passionate bowler. He started playing at age 11, learning from notable players in Donaghadee Bowling Club.
“From this, he continued to grow in the sport and joined Bangor Bowling Club in 2019. He represented Ireland at under-18 level amongst other achievements.
“Outside the world of bowling Daniel worked with his dad as a painter and decorator. He was skilled in the trade and enjoyed having a laugh and forming friendships with customers.
“Furthermore, Daniel enjoyed the simple things in life. He spent many weekends visiting local cafes and restaurants, such as The Yogurt Tree in Bangor. He loved taking his family and girlfriend to these places so that they could be introduced as well.
“Additionally, Daniel thrived in the gym. He was devoted to working out regularly and enjoyed going for walks and runs in North Down and beyond.”
Bangor Bowling Club paid tribute to Daniel calling him ‘a lovely fella on and off the green’.
“Daniel was a very loved and respected fella on and off the green for his bowling abilities and his personality,” said the club in a social media post.
“We will very much miss him and we will never forget him.”
