THE heartbroken wife of a Marple Bridge man who died in a boating accident while in Dubai for his best friend’s wedding has told how she has lost her soulmate.

Father-of-two Darren Clarke, 35, of Compstall Road, is believed to have drowned after he and another friend got into difficulties as they rowed across a lagoon to their apartment in the Middle Eastern state.

When a rogue current took the boat into deeper water his pal swam to shore to raise the alarm. But when he returned with help the vessel was empty and Darren’s body was found a short time later.

Following the tragedy, on April 18, Darren’s body was flown back to the UK last Thursday accompanied by his wife Roisin.

This week his family have paid tribute to a "larger than life" character and spoken of the massive hole his death leaves in their lives.

Roisin said: "I have lost my soulmate and saviour. He was loved by so many people and his death has left an entire community stunned. Darren was an amazing father not only to his two very young children but also to his two step-sons. His family and friends are all devastated. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him and he will be remembered for his helpfulness, humour and amazing drum skills."

The family Darren leaves behind includes a son, aged one, daughter, aged four, stepchildren, 12 and 10, brother Warren and parents Walter and Loretta.

He worked at Hill Burn UK Ltd, in Marple, as chief engineer claims manager, had a passion for music and was a keen runner.

Warren, who had played in a band called the Kerouacs with him, said: "Darren might have only lived for 35 years but he fitted in more laughter and fun than most people manage in 70.

"Once you met him you would never forget him, he was larger than life. I was so proud of him, he and Roisin were peas in a pod.He was a great father, if his children were upset he would have them smiling in minutes. It’s heartbreaking they will now grow up without him, his little boy knows something is wrong and his little girl wants to know where daddy is. He will never know the huge hole he has left behind."

Darren had been at the wedding of Andy Woolnough, which had taken place the day before his death.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St Mary’s Church, New Mills, before an interment at St Mary’s Church, Marple Bridge, on May 6 at 12pm.

All enquiries to Ian Mann Funeral Directors on (0161) 430 4410 and donations to Beechwood Cancer Care.