It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dan Healey (AKA DanDan), a father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. Dan passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home late January. At just 34, he leaves a legacy of resilience, kindness, and inspiration.

We've set up this page to give back to Dan. He was someone who gave endlessly without ever expecting anything in return. As we write this, I'm reminded of the time he gave his entire wage to a friend who needed it more than he did. So, if you’re able to donate, please do. Every contribution, big or small, is a way of returning the favours he provided for so many. All proceeds will be going to his beloved son, Archie (8), and Shannon (14), whom he loved as his own.

Below are some excerpts of Dan's journey, his personality, the impact he had and the strength he showed every single day.

As a youngster, Dan was a mischievously charming character, and hugely popular among friends. A lovable rogue to teachers, school was an adventure where friendships came first, and academia came second. One day, in class, Dan and his best friend decided equations weren't for them, so they hid under the table to cut one another's hair. It didn’t end well for their hairstyles, but it summed up Dan’s playful spirit perfectly.

Inside and outside of school, Dan loved to play sports. Football was his number one. He was fearless on the pitch and loved to get stuck in—sliding tackles were his specialty. In Primary School, he set up a football team with his mates, landing on "The Chicken Chong Chongs" as the team’s name. One can only assume this was because they’d always roast opponents.

Dan's fearless attitude extended to the ski slopes on family holidays. While Mum, Dad, and Brother cautiously made their way down red and black runs, Dan would zoom off straight down the middle, ski sticks under armpits for maximum drag.

In adult life, Dan faced an abundance of challenges, but he never let them define him. He was strong, determined, and always found a way to rise above adversity. Despite his struggles, he met every setback with courage. He lived simply, asking for little, yet giving so much to those around him.

In 2012, Dan joined the Army and thrived, winning several accolades in physical training. In 2013/14, he served in Afghanistan. Eight months after his deployment, he safely returned. He carried the weight of his experiences but worked hard to understand them, studying psychology, and excelling in courses that helped him better comprehend his PTSD. His dedication to self-improvement was inspiring, a testament to his unwavering spirit.

After his spell in the Army, exercise through weightlifting, boxing, and MMA became Dan's therapy, keeping him grounded and focused. He was also the friend everyone could rely on—a source of support and encouragement for those suffering from the same fate he had. This would become his purpose.

Professionally, Dan worked as a roofer but in recent years had explored entrepreneurship, starting his own Personal Training venture followed by garden and house clearing business. However, his real passion was his music, and this is where his creativity shone through. A gifted lyricist, he had been writing rhymes since his teens, inspired by his idol Eminem. Last year, he started to dedicate himself to his craft once again and, thanks to some friends with contacts in the music industry, started work on an album. He had big dreams for the future. “I’m going to become a rapper,” he said recently—and if you knew Dan, you knew he meant it.

Above all, Dan was a devoted father. Archie and Shannon were his greatest joys. He found gratitude in the small things, keeping a ‘Thank You’ diary where he noted everything he appreciated—from the clothes on his back to the support of his family, especially Mum and Dad. He had found his purpose, his strength, and his appreciation for life.

Dan’s story is one of strength and perseverance. His love and his impact remain with us. With your support, we can honour his memory and continue the kindness he showed to the world.

Thank you for reading.