THE FAMILY of a man who died following a battle with addiction have released a tribute to ‘the most affable man you could ever meet.’

Matthew Doolan, 33, of Milton Close, Horton, took his own life on February 27, following a struggle with drug addiction.

Mr Doolan’s sister, Ella Doolan, released a statement about his life, describing him as a caring father who had close bonds with his family.

Miss Doolan said: “Matthew Doolan was a brother, son, grandson and father. His standing among the people of East Berkshire made everything as simple as a trip to the shops a peculiarly drawn-out affair, as he stopped to chat with all. Accepting a lift from him had to be balanced against the possibility that walking the two miles might have been quicker if less eventful.

“Matthew was my big brother. Not only did we share the same dad, we also shared his genes – the “Doolan Genes” we called it shown through our big lips and big forehead. Whenever I saw him I always received a cheeky smirk along with “alright sis, how’ve you been”, often followed by a compliment of my outfit if I wore green and a double check I had Nike trainers on not Adidas.

“We last met on New Year’s Eve for the traditional old firm game between Celtic and Rangers. It was a happy day however, filled with joking and messing with dad, the usual antics. It was also the first time he met my fiancé, to which I am so happy he approved of, with both chatting away about their experiences in the army and our future plans.”

In a joint statement by his four other siblings, Craig, Holly, Nancy and Sian, they said: “Nobody is perfect and the same can be said, with more conviction, of siblings. We see one another’s faults every day, without often enough giving consideration to the goodness, even greatness, in the people with whom we grow up.

"Matt always doted after his siblings, but adored his daughter tremendously. Mia was our brother’s world – straight after her birth his partner, Roma, saw him accept the huge responsibilities and worries of a daddy.

“Matt had greatness in him: earnestness and generosity; wit and passion.”

“Matthew, Roma and Mia, which Matt nicknamed the three amigos, went everywhere together. He would take trips to Brighton with Mia, somewhere he really loved, so much they visited Brighton with Mia ten times before she was a year old. Mia changed Matt’s world and she was number one priority from birth. “His daughter, our niece, knew nothing but Matt’s adoration and humours his memory everyday by relating her daily experiences to her father’s character and preferences. She bears the uncanny resemblance to him, especially in her laughter.

“She presents a greater testament to his memory than anyone’s words ever could.”

If you struggle with suicidal thoughts or addiction, call the Samaritans on 116 123, or the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600.