The family of Simon Daniels, a beloved personal trainer, has paid tribute to the man they called “our world” after his body was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir in Cheshire on Wednesday. Daniels reportedly got into difficulty while paddleboarding last weekend, leading to an extensive search operation that ended with his discovery at approximately 6:15 pm.
In a heartfelt statement, his family remembered Simon as “funny, unpredictable, and with a heart as big as an ocean.”
“Simon was our world. His larger-than-life personality lit up every room he entered, and his love, kindness, and inspiration touched everyone he met,” his family said. Known for his humour and positivity, Simon’s family shared how he brought people together with a natural warmth and infectious spirit. “He was hilarious,” they added, “Funny doesn’t even cut it.”
An avid fitness enthusiast, Simon dedicated his life to helping others achieve their goals, working as a personal trainer in the local community. His family noted how he was “unapologetically himself” and how his passion for fitness and encouraging others inspired countless people. “Simon was a friend to everyone,” they said. “Nobody was a stranger in his eyes.”
The community has shown an outpouring of love and remembrance in the days since Simon’s passing. Church bells rang, and fireworks lit up the night sky in his memory as friends, family, and clients shared stories of his influence and support.
The tragic incident occurred last Sunday at the scenic Dovestone Reservoir. Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of two individuals in difficulty while paddleboarding. A woman was rescued from the water and treated for hypothermia and shock, while the search continued for Simon, ultimately concluding on Wednesday evening.
Simon’s family expressed their gratitude for the community’s support and the many ways people have remembered him, saying, “We had no idea how popular and inspirational he was to so many.”
