Darren Walker 1967-2024

Dear friends,

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of our dear friend and colleague Darren Walker on Saturday evening. Darren passed away peacefully at home, with his close family around him.

As you may know from my recent update, Darren stepped away from the business last September after eight hugely successful years with us. Although he spent some time in hospital, he was eventually discharged so he could spend his remaining time at home with his family and dogs. An amazing medical team looked after Darren at his home in Calderdale, with his wife Amanda acting as his primary carer – leading Darren to comment that she was “absolutely amazing”. Over the course of his illness, he remained positive, upbeat and optimistic, right up until the very end. His welcome to visitors was always warm and generous, despite everything he was dealing with.

Having been in the industry for longer than I’d care to calculate, I knew Darren before he started at Perfect Colours – but not as well as I came to know him over the last eight years working together. I found much of what I knew already from others – that he was perfectly charming and an absolute gentleman– to be true. He was also one of the greatest story tellers I've ever met. His charisma and his engaging repartee gained him many customers over the years, who along the way became friends, and many acquaintances that became customers – which contributed to a stellar career at both Perfect Colours and other companies.

Darren’s achievements and milestones have been many since he started with us back in 2015, and he tackled his work with great enthusiasm. In July 2021, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) and, despite undergoing a six-hour operation and multiple surgical procedures, he continued to work with the same commitment and good heart until September last year. His bravery throughout was nothing short of incredible.

It seems incredible now but, Darren completed the West Highland Way, a 96-mile, five-day walking challenge, last August. He aimed to raise £5,000 but ended up raising over £14,000 for Christie’s Hospital, who were instrumental in his care and is one of leading authorities on this little-known disease.

Finally, I would like to thank Darren for his devoted service to Perfect Colours, but I have to say that we will miss him as a friend much more and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

Jason