Tribute from Josh’s wife, Char:

Josh was only 33, but he filled our years together with more love, laughter, and positivity than many do in a lifetime.

Our love story began in autumn 2015, just after we finished uni, with our first date at the Manchester Christmas markets. From then on, we celebrated our “Chranniversary” by visiting Christmas markets across Europe. On New Year’s Eve, I asked if I was ‘his girl’ — and fast forward to our wedding, I will never forget the look on his face throughout the day, and his tears of joy the next day, telling me how full of love and gratitude Josh felt for all our incredible family and friends.

We grew up together, taking on all of life’s adventures with all Josh’s positivity. Living in London was chaotic and exciting (even if Josh’s first warehouse room was… extremely questionable!), and then we moved into our little flat in East London before finally converting Josh to the North with our home in Boothstown.

Our future plans were to settle in North Norfolk — it has always been our happy place. We’ve spent so many beautiful weeks there with Sue and Mike and with my parents. Josh’s perfect Norfolk day started with an oat flat white from Stiffkey Stores, then heading to enjoy the charm of Blakeney, on to Cley, stopping at the Dun Cow pub, and finally enjoying the coastal drive back to Cromer — pure perfection.

Sharing the simplicity of life with Josh is something I miss terribly — everything from the comfort of snuggling at night together to our local walks in Worsley and the Lake District … and how he always found a pub enroute/to finish the perfect outing.

We loved experiences together – from incredible restaurants to backpacking around the Croatian islands. His favourite place was the island of Korčula, where we cycled along the coast to a hidden cove, sharing cold beers while looking out over the sea.

And then… Josh as a Daddy. Where do I even start? From the moment our beautiful Sophie arrived, Josh adored her. She lit up his world, and Josh lit up hers. Josh was made to be her daddy. I’ll never forget Josh’s face when Sophie giggled, or the way he ran around with her on his shoulders shouting ‘go,go’go’.

Josh didn’t just love us — he showed us, and told us, every single day.

Words to describe Josh? Warm. Positive. A sunshine aura. Kindness that was unmatched. Caring. Joyful. Selfless. Funny. Genuinely interested in people. Authentic.

Our time with him was far too short, but my goodness, it was full. His love is intertwined everywhere — into Sophie’s cheeky smile, into her big blue eyes (thankfully, she got those from Josh), into all my amazing memories and into the hearts of everyone who knew him.

So let’s all continue his legacy by being more Josh. Because being more Josh is what it means to be the best husband, a wonderful daddy, a loyal family member, and a true friend.