'The best person to ever walk the earth' - Sunderland family pays tribute to David Doran after sudden death at 35

That’s how the 35-year-old, from Sunderland, is being remembered by his family after his tragic death shook the community where he lived and where he grew up.

A hard-working lad who loved a drink, loved to cook and loved making people laugh died at his home in South Hylton in February, prompting an outpouring grief from the hundreds of people who counted themselves among his friends.

And as his family tries to come to terms with the heartbreaking loss, David’s mother Sue and sister Megan spoke to the Echo about the man they knew and loved.

“He was just the best person to walk the earth,” said Megan, 20.

“There’s not a bad thing you can say about him, he did everything that anyone would have wanted a human to do.

“He was always working and he would always help anyone out. He was always the one to pull you straight back up.”

Fondly remembered by Sue, 62, and mum-of-one Megan as a “daft” joker who loved to play pranks on anyone he met, David also dedicated a lot of time to his work at Joseph’s pub in the city centre, where he was manager for around three years.

There, he was the “life and soul" of any night out, encouraging people to dance, sing karaoke and have fun.

Megan and Sue added: “We can’t put into words what he was like, everyone was just honoured to have known him.”

David is survived by his parents Sue and Alan, brothers and sisters Susan, Michael, Lindsay, Mark and Megan, nana Mary, Auntie Michelle, his nephews and nieces, partner Dave and his many friends.

A funeral service for him was held at Sunderland Crematorium on Thursday, March 12.

The touching celebration of David’s life remembered him as someone who lived for his family and brought joy to everyone he met.

Following the service, a beautiful selection of floral arrangements were placed outside the crematorium.

Heartfelt messages were written on cards attached to the floral tributes, remembering David and the precious moments he spent with those he knew and loved.