Tributes have poured in for a "proper character" dad who died suddenly days before Christmas.
Phil Duffy was found by police at his home in Rainford on December 22.
Son Ben Duffy, 19, told the ECHO his dad, who had diabetes, died from natural causes and had earlier this year suffered two cardiac arrests and battled cancer.
Ben described his dad as his "best friend, who was always there for him" and said in the weeks before his death he had been in good health.
He said: "My dad was my best friend.
"We talked about everything together and he was such a joker and loved taking the micky.
"Dad had some complicated health problems but had been doing fine in the weeks before his death.
"[On the day he died] the police came round to my house and broke the news to me.
"It was so hard [to take in], I had been planning on seeing my dad in the approach to Christmas.
"The police were great and very supportive and my girlfriend Emily has been incredibly supportive too."
After the ECHO published the story, readers shared their condolences.
Posting on Facebook Helen Reynolds said: "Aww I've known Phil for years. Proper character RIP Phil."
Gilly Gardener said: "So so sad, RIP."
Michelle Raithby said: "RIP, love to family."
Jackie Howard added "God bless him and his family."
Among the comments son Ben also spoke up, saying: "I love you dad, this is just for you."
The student said his dad was a big boxing fan and car enthusiast.
He added: "My dad knew St Helens professional boxer Martin Murray a bit and was a huge fan.
"He watched Martin's most recent fight on Sky and I know he always rooted for him.
"And dad love his cars too. I think he had around 200 different motors over the years."
"He was always helping friends to fix cars and sort problems out.
"He would do anything for anyone."
Ben said that his dad always did his best despite his health problems and was a hard worker.
He added: "He did a few different jobs from driving to working as a labourer. He always went in even when being treated for cancer.
"But the diabetes stopped him from working in the end.
"He was my best friend and I want to give him the funeral that he deserved. "
Following his dad's death Ben has set up a Go Fund Me page online to try and help raise money for his funeral, which has already surpassed its original target.
One the page he wrote: "On 22/12/2020, my beloved Dad, Phil Duffy, suddenly passed away at the age of 39 at his home in Rainford.
"Throughout my dads life, he suffered with various physical and mental health issues which he fought with courage.
"He was taken away from me far too soon due to his Type 1 Diabetes.
"During his life, he dealt with cancer, strokes, cardiac arrests and pneumonia with such strength which was one of the reasons why I was so proud of him.
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"My dad was a very well known man who was liked by a lot of people.
"He was known for his bad jokes and he would go extreme lengths to make people laugh.
"His sense of humour often led to mick out of people (especially me!)
"My dad was also a very generous person who was known to do anything for anyone.
"The one thing that amazed me was his knowledge of cars and the fact he owned over 200 cars throughout his life.
"I want money for my dad to give him the send off that he deserves. Unfortunately due to his sudden death, I don’t have the money available myself to give him just that.
"My dad deserves the best send off possible as he touched the lives of many people personally and he will be remembered as that man who was the life and soul of the party and the man who would give his last penny to someone else.
"As it will be myself who is organising my dads funeral, everything that is donated will go on the expensive costs that I am faced with alone to ensure that I do my dad proud.
"Every contribution is greatly appreciated and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my final goodbye to my dad."
To support Ben please click here.
