Funeral announced for Billinge dad who died after 'chemical incident'

As reported by the Star, police cars, fire engines and an air ambulance were called to a property on Douglas Avenue, Billinge, on Saturday, September 28.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service reported that the incident involved one casualty who had been affected by exposure to Xylene, a chemical used as a cleaning agent and a thinner for paint and varnishes.

Merseyside Police confirmed that a man suffered a cardiac arrest and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Another individual was reported to be examined by paramedics but it was determined that this person was not exposed to the chemical.

READ > Plans for five bedroom HMO decided on

’Truly charismatic and unique individual’

Following the tragedy in late September, it has since been reported that the individual who passed away was 57-year-old Darren Aspinall, a loving dad and husband from Billinge.

Details of Darren's funeral service have been submitted to the Star this week, which is planned to take place at St Helens Crematorium on Wednesday, October 30, at 1pm.

Information from the funeral listing states that donations can be made on the day care of F W Marsh funeral directors.

Since news of Darren's passing broke, two fundraisers have been launched in his memory, to support his family and business during this awful time. 

This includes one fundraiser set up by Conrad Greensmith, who described Darren as a "truly charismatic and unique individual".

Darren, who owned ProClean External Cleaning Specialists, was further described as someone who created "many unforgettable friendships and memories within the exterior cleaning community".

’One of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever met’

A second fundraiser was also set up by Chris Lawyer, primarily for Darren’s 19-year-old son Fergus and the business that he will take over.

In a statement on the online fundraiser, Chris said: “We lost one of the true greats, Darren Aspinall.

“One of the kindest and most helpful people I have ever met.

“If you needed anything, you could ask Darren and he would help you anyway he could.

“His passing has caught his entire family on the back foot, as you can imagine, especially Fergus. His dads protégé and future owner of ProClean ECS.

“Fergus being 19 is struggling to get van insurance so he can keep running the business to look after his mum and siblings, just as Darren had done in the previous years.

“This go fund me will hopefully help Fergus get back on the road again.”

Highlighting Darren’s stature and respect in the community, the fundraisers have raised more than £10,000. 

To support Chris’ fundraiser for Fergus and Pro Clean ECS, you can donate to this here. You can also donate to Conrad’s fundraiser for the family here.