Remembering Danny Orvis at funday for 'fantastic' Orchard Park

THE life of a father-of-two who died suddenly from a brain aneurysm exactly a year ago will be celebrated in Orchard Park today.

Danny Orvis died aged 28, leaving behind his devoted partner, Tammy Woollons, and their children Aiden, now aged 8, and Ashton, 3.

Today, his parents Paul and Michele were holding a family funday to honour his memory.

Mr Orvis, 52, said: "Danny was only with us a short time.

"But he enjoyed his life to the full and loved his family and friends.

"We want today to be a fun day.

"We have been able to contact most of Danny's friends to invite them over.

"However, if we have missed anyone and they are reading this, they are more than welcome to come and join us.

"We'll have a drink for Danny."

Mr Orvis said he and his wife, as well as Danny's sisters, Gemma, 26, and Laura, 24, have been well supported by the people of Orchard Park.

He said: "The last year has been a real roller-coaster of emotions. It has been a nightmare, if I am being honest.

"The pain will always be there. But we are having to be strong now for Danny's two boys.

"The people of Orchard Park have been absolutely fantastic.

"We still get phone calls, e-mails and Facebook messages. It has really helped us cope."

Mr Orvis said the family were especially heartened by the fact people remembered Danny's birthday in April.

He said: "We had a holiday booked. We didn't feel like going, but we knew Danny would have wanted us to go.

"When we got back, we visited his grave. So many cards and bouquets of flowers had been left next to his headstone. It was unbelievable.

"People had remembered and that meant everything to us as a family.

"I doubt that would happen elsewhere. But that is the real Orchard Park for you.

"People care and people look out for eachother on this estate."

Mr Orvis said his son's partner is struggling to cope with life without him, but is remaining strong for her sons.

He said: "Tammy has her good and bad days. She is finding it really hard.

"We would like her to meet someone else when the time is right, but she has told us, 'How will I find someone that could compare with Danny?'

"I know Danny would be very proud of his whole family."

Mr Orvis said his daughters also missed their big brother.

He said: "Often, the focus is on us as Danny's parents, and Tammy and their two little boys.

"But his sisters are also feeling the loss too. They thought the world of Danny."

Danny, who quit 1st Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment for the sake of his family, lived with Tammy and their boys in Bondane.

He played for Orchard Park ARLFC.

The fun day, which will feature children's activities including a bouncy castle, starts at 3pm at 72 Isledane.