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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Aaliyah Rugg

Devoted dad who was "life and soul of the party" dies suddenly

A heart-broken family is mourning the loss of a devoted dad who was the "life and soul of the party".

Graham Stephens was home alone on Saturday when his family returned to find he had died, an "unexpected" and "sudden" event which has left the family devastated.

The cause of the 26-year-old's death is currently unknown.

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Close friend Abbie Jenkins said "fun loving" Graham was the "life and soul of the party" who leaves behind his "amazing girlfriend" Chloe Murray.

She also said he was an "incredible dad" to his two-year-old son Finley with whom he shared an "unbreakable bond".

Abbie told the ECHO : "He was a really outgoing and funny character, always smiling.

"We went to festivals together, he was always first to buy his tickets, he loved it.

"We'd been friends since high school and I'm best friends with his girlfriend Chloe. Our boys are the same age too and now that Graham has gone, Chloe will have to bring Finley up alone with no dad, it's hard."

Graham, who lived in Kirkby, was described as a "fun loving, happy and generous lad" who could "light up a room with his humour and make anyone laugh even on the worst days".

Graham and his two-year-old son Finley with whom he shares an "unbreakable bond" (Abbie Jenkins)

Abbie has launched a fundraising page with the hopes of raising £5,000 to go towards Finley's future.

She added: "Graham was at home alone and when they got home they found he'd passed away, it's just awful.

Graham loved his motorbike and Finley would regularly watch him race (Abbie Jenkins)

"His parents are helping with the funeral, so the money raised from the fundraiser will go towards Finley's future. Chloe doesn't work much, Graham brought in the money so anything we can do to help, please donate if you can.

"Graham was a great man. Motorbikes were everything to him, he loved his bike, number 14, and that's something he shared with Finley.

"He would go and watch his dad race on a Sunday on his motorbike and they would go all over. They were so close.

"Finley started nursery in September so at least he got to see that.

"I just wanted to help them through this awful time."

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraise, which has already raised over £1,000, can do so by clicking here.

Tributes have come pouring in on the fundraising page for the "top lad".

One friend said: "Thinking of Chloe, baby Finley and all your family at this heart-breaking time. Rest easy up there mate, one lovely next door neighbour you was Graham, GBNF."

Another said: "I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Graham you were a top lad, we had some laughs on numerous of sites. RIP mate, my thoughts are with your family."

A third wrote: "Rest in peace Graham. Sending all my love to Chlo and Fin at this heart-breaking time."

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