Tributes have been flooding in following the sudden death of a dad-of-eight.
Darren Hassan, 44, from Bellaghy, suffered heart failure last week after contracting meningitis and passed away last Wednesday at Antrim Area Hospital.
His wife Rachael and eight children, Darcey, Thandi, Rafferty, Riley, Jude, Flyn, Lana, and eldest son Jordan, are being comforted by family and friends.
Caroline Gordon, a friend and neighbour of the family say the community has been left stunned by his death.
She has set up a GoFundMe page to help with the practical day-to-day expenses the family will face without Darren in their midst.
She said: “The shock is incredible. It seems just unreal. Darren was the nicest, happiest and kindest man around and anyone who met him, would tell you the same.
“He adored his family and worked hard to provide for them all and Rachael was a full time mum to the youngsters.”
Darren’s eldest son Jordan is 21 and his younger children are aged one-year-old to 12.
Caroline explained: “This family has been blown apart.
“The shock of him being so sick was awful but then to hear the news that he had died, it seems unreal.
“He had suffered a heart attack as the meningitis ravaged his body. By the time he was taken to hospital it was too late. I think Darren would have needed help earlier to have been in with a fighting chance.
“The family is devastated. The community is stunned, shocked, sick with grief. Rachael has sisters and other family who will do their best to help, but everyone feels helpless right now.
“I’ve set up a GoFundMe page to try to help with the practical, day-to-day expenses for this big family.
“Darren worked hard in finance and he looked after the family so well and Rachael kept the whole thing going. But today Darren is gone and there's still food to buy, nappies needed, school shoes and all those things we take for granted.
“That’s why I hope the public will help us help the Hassans, especially at this time of year. I want to thank everyone in advance for thinking of Rachael and the children and for any help they receive.
“We’ll do our best as a community to help. Darren did so much for other people and he was always happy and kept the mood up. I can’t even explain how much he’ll be missed.”
Darren was laid to rest after a Requiem Mass last Saturday at the Church of St John, Milltown Magherafelt.
And tributes have been paid on many social media sites including St Malachy’s GAC Castledawson and his former school Rainey Endowed, Magherafelt.
A spokesperson said: “It’s a heartbreaking scenario in the mouth of Christmas. A GoFundMe page has been set up by the local community who are rallying around the family. There may be former classmates of Darren’s or former pupils who would wish to donate.”
Staff at the Shivers Business Park, Toomebridge said they had been devastated by sudden death.
A spokesperson said: “Darren was a valued member of Copper Industrial. Everyone in the park sends their deepest condolences to his wife Rachel and kids at this very difficult time.”
And a colleague at Copper Industries, said: “We would like to extend our most heartfelt sympathy to Rachael and the kids at this difficult time. Darren was a much loved member of the Copper Industries team. He would fill the office with his smile and brilliant energy. He was a wonderful person, selfless in nature and always full of positivity. He will be deeply missed.”
If you would like to donate to Caroline's fund for the Hassan family, you can click here.
