'He lit up every room' - heartbreak as Sunderland's Aidan Hailes, 23, dies one day after cancer diagnosis

‘He had such a big heart and looked after everyone’ – this is how heartbroken friends have described a popular 23-year-old who died just one day after being diagnosed with cancer.
Tributes paid to beloved Sunderland man Aidan HailesTributes paid to beloved Sunderland man Aidan Hailes
Tributes paid to beloved Sunderland man Aidan Hailes

Aidan Hailes, of Thorney Close, fell unwell and was rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital by paramedics at the end of December.

He was transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Infirmary and, at just 23-years-old, the Nissan worker was diagnosed with acute leukaemia which tragically caused a bleed on his brain just hours later.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Doctors tried tirelessly to save him but Aidan died at the RVI on December 30.

Tributes to Aidan say he lit up every room he walked into.Tributes to Aidan say he lit up every room he walked into.
Tributes to Aidan say he lit up every room he walked into.

Aidan was a loving son to Anne and Derek, and brother to Craig and twin Andrew, who have thanked hospital staff and paramedics for there efforts to save him.

A University of Sunderland graduate, Aidan was well known and well liked in the city from his days behind the bar at Gatsby’s.

Now his friends have paid tribute to the young man, who they say lit up every room he walked in, as they raise funds to support his grieving family.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lewis Dodd, of Ryhope, said: “I am so proud that Aidan was one of my best mates.

Aidan with parents Anne and DerekAidan with parents Anne and Derek
Aidan with parents Anne and Derek

“All the years I knew him through school and beyond it was just laughter and joy. He lit up every room he walked into.

“Everyone loved him so much as he had such a big heart and looked after everyone. I’ll miss him so much and love him forever.”

The 24-year-old set up a Go Fund Me page to help Aidan’s heartbroken family cover funeral costs and give him the send off he deserves.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So far more than £5,500 has been donated by friends, family and strangers as Lewis appealed for anyone whose heart was touched or pint pulled by Aidan to help out. To donate click here.

Aidan, 23, (right) with twin Andrew (left) and brother Craig (middle)Aidan, 23, (right) with twin Andrew (left) and brother Craig (middle)
Aidan, 23, (right) with twin Andrew (left) and brother Craig (middle)

Posting on Facebook, Gatsby’s bar said: “Aidan is the most caring, loving, thoughtful and helpful person to have graced the Gatsby uniform and he will stay in our hearts and memories for ever.”

Heartbroken by his sudden loss, Aidan’s close friends have paid tribute to the ‘heart and soul’ of their group.

Scott Pinder, 23, of Mill Hill, said: “I think we can all agree Aidan is the funniest person we have all met and could turn any sad situation into a happy one, he was the heart and sole of our friends group and was loved and adored by us all.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We now all know that he will be with us all by our sides for the rest of our lives whenever we need him. He will keep the party going up there for us enjoying himself like he always does.”

Aidan pictured with his group of friends. He was described as the 'heart and sole' of his friendship groupAidan pictured with his group of friends. He was described as the 'heart and sole' of his friendship group
Aidan pictured with his group of friends. He was described as the 'heart and sole' of his friendship group

Logan Wright, 23, of Burdon, said he will always cherish his time with Aidan and that the world has lost ‘a true legend’.

He added: "[There was] never a dull moment when you were around - always keeping me happy and supporting me no matter what!

"I'm so sorry what this evil world has done and I wish I could take it all away because everyday is gonna be a struggle without having you here by me. You will always be in my heart and we will continue to do all the amazing stuff that we used to do together and all the stuff we had planned!”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jordan Yeo, 24, of Farringdon, said: “Aidan was the life and soul of every occasion and knew how to make everyone laugh and smile! He will be missed and we will all treasure the memories we have with him.”

No matter the situation you could always count on Aidan to make everyone laugh said Karl Southern. The 24-year-old, of Moorside, added: “I don’t think I’d ever seen Aidan not with that biggest, cheesiest grin on his face – ever. He’s one of a kind and you didn’t even have to know him that well for him to have an effect on you.

"The amount of times I’d seen him making strangers laugh and smile when he’d be serving them drinks in his favourite place – Gatsby's.”

Aidan worked at Gatsby's while studying at the University of Sunderland.Aidan worked at Gatsby's while studying at the University of Sunderland.
Aidan worked at Gatsby's while studying at the University of Sunderland.

Dan Sutcliffe, 22, of Hall Farm, said: “Aidan truly was one a kind, his smile and personality lit up any room he walked in. He was the heartbeat of our group with his constant joking around always put a smile on people’s face and left us with memories to be cherished forever.

Read More
In memory of Hope: Parents of Sunderland baby born with heart defects set up fun...
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recalling his first night out with Aidan, Kieron Halley, 24, of Doxford Park, said: “Thank you for being a part of our lives and looking out for us always.

"I remember our first time we ever went on a night out to Newcastle back in 2015, by the end of the night you and Andy ended up arguing about where we wanted to end the night, within ten minutes yous were back to hugging and laughing with each other which just sums you up, strong willed but always there for everyone no matter the situation.”

Nath Brown, 23, Hollycarrside added: “Aidan is the kindest and most funniest person I have and ever will meet in my life. The support this young lad gave is absolutely incredible because he would always be by your side.

"Aidan will be a huge miss to the whole of Sunderland because everyone knew who he was.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ryan Connor, 25, of Thorney Close, said: “Not only were you my partner in crime at work you were my gym buddy. Always messing about and there was never a dull moment in sight when it comes to you, you will forever be by my side no matter where I go weather that’s Ibiza or the gym."

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics: